Former Captain Paul Lake Backs Jack Grealish for Role Under New Everton Boss

Former Manchester City captain Paul Lake hopes Jack Grealish will be “given an opportunity” under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he believes the left winger brings “great attitude and personality”.

The club triggered a £100m release clause to prise Grealish away from boyhood club Aston Villa in August 2021. Since then, he has won three Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup at Etihad Stadium.

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However, after dropping out of Pep Guardiola’s starting XI, the 30-year-old joined Everton on a season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign in search of first-team minutes.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, Lake said: “There is no reason why it can’t happen. All of these players have got their own egos.

“Jack Grealish will say: ‘Of course I can play in that team, I’ve done it before and I can do it again.’ He does bring something different. He has experience, so he can deliver in high-pressure moments.

“He brings a great attitude and personality as well. He was so loved by the rest of the squad at Manchester City, you can even see that now when they are all walking around. There is a genuineness to that.

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“That is something else that will be really healthy for the squad, especially for new players like Elliot Anderson with his price tag on his shoulders. It won’t be easy for him to manage, but people like Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland will help him do that.

“I hope he is given an opportunity under Enzo Maresca. If he is, it will be two almost-new signings for the manager. That will certainly bolster the whole atmosphere in the changing room.”

Listen to the full conversation above or listen on BBC Sounds