Jack Grealish is encountering challenges at Everton as he experiences a dip in form, failing to contribute goals in recent matches. The 30-year-old winger, who scored the decisive goal against Bournemouth, has not been able to replicate that success in the subsequent three fixtures. With the team looking to climb the Premier League standings, manager David Moyes faces an urgent need to address Grealish’s performance issues, potentially linked to his teammate, Vitalii Mykolenko.
Mykolenko’s Impact on Grealish’s Performance
The future of Mykolenko at Everton remains uncertain, as his contract is set to expire in the summer. While the 26-year-old Ukrainian has been a reliable presence in defense, his lack of attacking contributions has raised concerns. According to statistics from Opta, Grealish’s interactions with Mykolenko have been minimal during recent matches. In the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, Grealish only passed to Mykolenko four times, and he managed just one pass in the subsequent 2-0 loss to Chelsea. In more favorable circumstances, during a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, the duo connected just twice.
These statistics suggest that Mykolenko is not providing the necessary overlaps or offensive support that Grealish requires to thrive. As a result, Grealish finds himself operating in tighter spaces, limiting his ability to take on defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Potential Solutions for Moyes
To address the challenges posed by Mykolenko’s style of play, Moyes has several options. The most straightforward solution may involve acquiring a new left-back during the upcoming winter transfer window. A more attack-minded defender could not only create additional space for Grealish but also enhance Everton’s overall offensive threat.
Alternatively, Moyes could focus on improving the synergy between Grealish and Mykolenko through targeted training sessions. However, given that they have had since the beginning of the season to develop their partnership without notable success, the former option of securing a new player might prove more effective.
A shift to a more dynamic left-back could significantly aid Grealish’s performance and increase Everton’s potency in attack. As the team aims to improve its position in the Premier League, resolving this on-field issue with Grealish remains a critical task for Moyes and his coaching staff.
