Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp have called on Jack Grealish to start playing with 'freedom' again as the Man City star looks to resurrect his previous best form.
Grealish was handed his first start of the season by Pep Guardiola for Saturday's trip to West Ham and is under pressure to perform in a position that City are well stocked in.
The summer arrival of Brazilian star Savinho alongside the continued development of Jeremy Doku has largely shifted Grealish to occupying the bench during a difficult previous campaign.
A season hampered by injuries saw Grealish lose his England spot at Euro 2024 and the former Aston Villa star is now desperate to regain the form that previously made him a favourite under Guardiola.
The 28-year-old has won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League since joining City in a mammoth £100m transfer three-years ago, but has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad.
Jack Grealish (left) was given his first start of the season by Pep Guardiola in Saturday's clash against West Ham
Grealish is attempting to resurrect his previous best form after a difficult previous season
Micah Richards believes Grealish is a 'top player' but called on the England star to 'do more'
His return of just three goals and three assists in 36 appearances last season was Grealish's worst in a City shirt and club legend Richards wants to see the playmaker that first caught the attention of the reigning Premier League champions.
'In his first season he didn’t hit the standards we all expected. In his second season when they won the treble, he played a big part,' Richards told Sky Sports.
'I wouldn’t say he was outstanding, but he was very good. Last season he had the injuries and couldn’t quite get into the groove he wanted.
'I keep telling him this is your chance to shine. When Doku is on the left, I believe he has got more than Doku.
A previous season hampered by injuries saw Grealish lose his England spot at Euro 2024
'I feel at times when he gets into certain positions, he plays a safe ball a little bit too much. Let’s see the Jack Grealish that was at Villa. I know it is hard when you have got top players in the side,' he added.
Richards continued to explain that Grealish is still a 'top player' but admitted that the Three Lions star 'can do more', while Redknapp questioned what has caused a dip in form.
'You have got to play with freedom, you have got to cut inside and find yourself in pockets like he did for Aston Villa,' said Redknapp.
'I think when Jack is at his best he is playing with freedom and doing things differently. We all know what he is capable of, but we want to see more of it.'