GREALISH NOW PART OF THE FORMIDABLE PARTNERSHIP CULTURE AT CITY, SAYS JOLEON
JOLEON LESCOTT hopes Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne will form as potent a double act at Manchester City as Sergio Aguero and David Silva did.
Manchester City’s £100million new boy Grealish has made no secret of the fact that playing alongside the brilliant Belgian was one of the most enticing aspects of his move to the Etihad.
And former City star Lescott cannot wait to see the pair go to
work when De Bruyne has recovered from his ankle injury. “Two names you might remember, David Silva and Sergio Aguero (left), they did all right together,” he said, laughing, when asked if this partnership could work as well as any from his days at the club.
“I know how much Jack admires KDB, so it’ll just be good to see someone who is almost like a fan.
“Like Phil Foden, knowing him and knowing how much it means to represent the club he supports, and now Jack playing with someone who he is quoted as saying is his favourite player.
“It’s a bit like a fan being good enough to play for Manchester City and playing with his heroes.”
Former defender Lescott well remembers the positive impact big new signings would have on the City dressing room when they walked through the door.
He added: “It’s huge. As players, you want to add strength to your squad, to make you hard to beat and more competitive in every aspect and, obviously, Jack does that.
“Sergio was probably the one who really had an impact when he arrived, but, also, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy as well.
“That was because we knew they were
going to balance us out more, so we knew they played in positions we needed to strengthen.
“But Sergio, of course, and Yaya Toure, coming from Barcelona.
“And then there was Patrick Vieira as well.
“On the pitch, he wasn’t the player we all remember, but the influence he had on the group and the respect he had and his aura were crazy.”
Another partnership Lescott has already grown fond of at City is the one at the back between John Stones and Ruben
Dias. He said: “It was a remarkable partnership last year and I don’t think anyone would have predicted that because, at the start of the season, Stones wasn’t in the team and there was speculation about him leaving.
“They don’t need to do better than last season, if
they do the same, it will be
You want to add strength to your
squad to make you hard to beat
enough.
“As a striker, you can score more goals, but, as a defender, if you keep a clean sheet, it’s job done.”
Lescott spent time at the McDonald’s
Grassroots Football Awards ahead of the Community Shield last Saturday.
He added: “Grassroots football is hugely important.
“In England, you have to play grassroots to be recognised, you play locally and get scouted.
“So it’s hugely important that the FA and McDonald’s continue to support that and giving kids an opportunity.”
Joleon Lescott was attending the FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards. The awards celebrate the fantastic individuals who go above and beyond for the grassroots game. Find out more at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football