Graeme Souness reignites Jack Grealish feud with personal attack in shock call out

Graeme Souness has reignited his feud with Jack Grealish after watching the winger lose his place in Manchester City's starting XI.

Grealish returned to action against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday evening after missing the previous weekend's draw with Liverpool through illness.

The 28-year-old failed to impress, being hooked at the break with City 2-0 down for Jeremy Doku.

Doku, who arrived from Rennes in a £55 million deal over the summer, helped turn the game on its head and City ran out 3-2 victors to guarantee qualification from Group G as group winners.

The Belgium international has started City's last three Premier League games. He produced a standout performance against Bournemouth last month, scoring and registering four assists in a 6-1 thrashing.

His direct nature and blistering pace are the opposite of Grealish's playstyle, who prefers to keep possession and control out wide.

Souness, who has criticised Grealish previously, believes he should be 'very concerned' despite helping Pep Guardiola's side to the treble last season.

He penned in his Daily Mail column: "Ask 10 full-backs if they'd rather play against Doku or Grealish, and I think it would be Grealish every time.

Getty)

"Defenders don't like pace and players who are direct. The way it is today, you dangle a leg and that’s a penalty. Grealish isn't showing any intent to get by defenders.

"He is, for me, at a crossroads in his City career. Doku is 21 years old and is only going to improve. Jack is 28. He needs to have a close look at himself. He should be in his pomp. Between 26 and 30 you have the knowledge, you’re physically and mentally stronger. He will not be getting any better. This should be his time.

"So, if I was him, I would be very concerned. I'd be sitting in front of the manager and asking him, 'How do you see it for me? I've won all these trophies with you but the new guy is the go-to player in my position.'

Getty)

"With the Euros coming up, and World Cup beyond that, he cannot afford to be sitting on the bench as a bit-part player.

"Only he can decide if he’s happy to be that. It’s not something I would have tolerated. I wanted to start every game and I did, if I was fit."

City are currently second in the Premier League. They return to action against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.

Topics: Manchester City, Jack Grealish, Graeme Souness, Premier League

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_