Guardiola highlights two Grealish traits from his 'incredible' Man City debut

Despite Jack Grealish’s debut for Manchester City ending in defeat, Pep Guardiola was left impressed by his £100 million signing.

Pep Guardiola praised Jack Grealish for his ‘personality and influence’ after an ‘incredible debut’ for Manchester City.

The club’s £100 million record signing started on his Premier League debut for City against Tottenham on Sunday. He ran at the club’s opponents, won fouls, beat men, and linked up well with his teammates.

But while Grealish thrived in north London, Son Heung-min’s second-half goal handed City an opening day 1-0 defeat to Spurs in the Premier League. Although Guardiola was still happy with his new player.

Jack Grealish was fouled more times than any other player in the first half against Tottenham (4).

New club, same Jack. pic.twitter.com/KyM0vX7QO7

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 15, 2021

“His personality and influence,” said Guardiola as per Goal when quizzed on what impressed him most about Grealish’s performance.

“He got three or four fouls in the first minutes and immediately he woke up and showed himself. He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass.

“He had an incredible game and incredible debut and will be so important for us. I congratulate him for having the personality to try and try until the end.”

Grealish and City return to action on Saturday at home to Norwich for their next Premier League match.