The Jack Grealish trait that will make Everton transfer decision worthwhile
Jack Grealish is officially a Manchester City player again after his loan spell with Everton ended.
The attacker sustained a foot injury in January that kept him out for the rest of the season, but he remained highly popular at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The 30-year-old's fitness levels are not yet certain, and Everton are said to be wanting Grealish to be ready to play from the start of the season.
Even on the sidelines, he had a big impact on David Moyes' side last term, with the Blues acknowledging this too.
And as they weigh up their options, Everton have already outlined the one attribute that would make a permanent deal completely worthwhile.
Why must Everton sign Jack Grealish?
At Aston Villa, Grealish developed into one of the Premier League's best as a real enigma with the ball at his feet.
His abilities seemed to have faded at Manchester City, before he showed huge signs of life on Merseyside.
Scoring twice and registering six assists, he hardly put up life-changing numbers, but his overall impact was second to none when he played.
In The Athletic's latest report on Grealish, Everton's thoughts were outlined, as he made a difference technically and mentally.
And it is that ability to hold the ball that Everton need so desperately, especially after their collapse without him.
He completed 23 dribbles last term, not a breathtaking number, but a decent one as he got back up to speed.
But he remained a foul magnet, being brought down 58 times, seeing him sit as the sixth-most fouled player in the Premier League despite missing just over half of the season.
He would win 5.3 duels per 90, with 1.2 successful dribbles, with his ability to simply take the ball and hold it being ever so crucial for a more conservative Everton side.
The attacking numbers are understandable given his lack of top-level sharpness, but this would undoubtedly improve with more minutes under his belt.
The Blues missed him at the end of last season, and they may have no choice but to make a deal happen.
Everton have another big reason to pursue Grealish deal
Alongside his obvious ability to drag Everton up the pitch, it must be acknowledged that Grealish is just a superb character.
Throughout last season, not once did he stop supporting from the sidelines, with his social media love becoming a common theme at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Loved by the fans and teammates, the Manchester City loanee was a popular figure.
With this in mind, the Toffees surely have to pursue a deal.
Given his quality and impact that was recognised by the club last term, the decision would not just be based on sentiment.
And as he fully recovers from a poor spell at Manchester City, there is nothing saying that he will not improve even more.