Jack Grealish Claims Bukayo Saka Is One of the Best Wingers in the World But Not Skilful

By trendy news Senior Sports Journalist | December 18, 2025

Having covered the Premier League for over a decade, I've heard plenty of bold takes from players—but Jack Grealish's latest comments have genuinely stopped me in my tracks. On a Stan Sport podcast just days before Everton host Arsenal, the on-loan Manchester City star delivered high praise for Bukayo Saka... with a massive caveat that has sent social media into meltdown.

Grealish didn't hold back: he called Saka "one of the best wingers in the world"—but then added that the Arsenal star "is not skilful" in the pure, tricksy sense. Instead, he crowned his Everton teammate Iliman Ndiaye as the Premier League's most skilful player right now. With the two sides clashing on December 20, the timing couldn't be more perfect. Let's break it all down.

The Full Quotes: What Grealish Actually Said

The discussion came during a lively Stan Sport podcast segment with fellow Everton loanee Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. When the topic turned to the league's most skilful players, Grealish was adamant:

"Ndiaye is the most skilful player in the Premier League. In terms of pure skill, yeah... Saka, for example, is so good, one of the best wingers in the world. But he's not skilful."

He elaborated on the difference between effectiveness and flair:

"Like, Doku, for example, you wouldn't put him in a small five-a-side pitch. But Ndiaye wouldn't even need that space at all... He's just in and out, whereas Doku might need a bit of space for his pace. Saka as well."

Dewsbury-Hall backed him up, agreeing Ndiaye edges even Chelsea's Cole Palmer in "pure skill," describing Palmer as more "silky" than trick-heavy.

Why Grealish Is So High on Teammate Iliman Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye has been a revelation since joining Everton permanently after his Marseille spell. The Senegal international is renowned for his quick feet, outrageous close-control dribbling, and ability to beat defenders in phone-box spaces—exactly what Grealish highlighted.

Training alongside him daily on loan at Goodison, Grealish has seen it up close. Ndiaye's style echoes street football: nutmegs, step-overs, and elasticos that leave defenders dizzy. It's no exaggeration to say he's one of the most entertaining dribblers in the league this season.

Bukayo Saka: World-Class Effectiveness Over Flashy Tricks

Let's be clear—Grealish's comments were complimentary overall. Calling Saka "one of the best wingers in the world" is massive praise from a player who has won everything at club level.

Saka's game is built on intelligence, end product, and consistency rather than rainbow flicks. He destroys defenses with cutting inside, precise finishing, deadly crosses, and penalty reliability. This season alone, he's carried Arsenal's attack at times.

But Grealish is drawing a distinction: "skilful" here means pure technical trickery, not overall ability. It's a fair point—Saka rarely goes for audacious skills when a simpler, more effective option exists.

Stats Comparison: Saka vs Ndiaye This Season

Player	Appearances (All Comp)	Goals	Assists	Premier League Goals	Premier League Assists	Successful Dribbles per 90 (PL)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)	21	7	3	4	2	~2.8 (top percentile)
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)	18	4	2	4	2	~4.1 (elite)

Saka edges direct goal contributions, but Ndiaye leads in raw dribbling numbers—backing Grealish's "pure skill" claim.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Explodes

As expected, X (formerly Twitter) went wild. Arsenal fans rushed to defend their "Starboy":

• "Saka doesn't need tricks—he wins titles. Skills don't fill trophy cabinets."
• "Grealish praising Saka then saying he's not skilful is peak banter ahead of the game."
• Everton supporters loved it: "Jack speaking facts—Ndiaye is different gravy in tight spaces!"

Neutral takes appreciated the nuance: many agreed the debate is effectiveness vs entertainment, not who is "better."

Timing and Impact on Everton vs Arsenal (December 20)

The comments land just 48 hours before Everton host Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium (8:00 PM kick-off). Ironically, Ndiaye will miss the game—called up for Senegal at AFCON—along with Idrissa Gueye. Grealish himself is doubtful after a recent hamstring issue.

Arsenal sit top of the table; Everton are scrapping in mid-table but tough at home. Without Ndiaye's flair, can Everton still trouble the Gunners? Or does Saka get the last laugh with a match-winning display?

Grealish's Own Skill Set and Everton Loan Revival

It's worth remembering Grealish built his reputation on skill—those hip-shaking dribbles at Aston Villa made him England's most-fouled player. His loan move to Everton has reignited his career, adding creativity to David Moyes' side.

Praising Ndiaye feels genuine from someone who knows what elite dribbling looks like.

Prediction: Who Comes Out on Top This Weekend?

I'm backing Arsenal for a narrow win—Saka's end product should shine against an Everton side missing key players. But if Grealish plays and channels that skill debate into motivation, we could see fireworks.

This could be the turning point in the title race—or a statement from Everton that they're no pushovers.

FAQ

Did Jack Grealish insult Bukayo Saka?
No— he explicitly praised him as one of the world's best wingers. The "not skilful" remark was specifically about technical tricks, not overall ability.

Will Iliman Ndiaye play against Arsenal?
No, he's on international duty with Senegal at AFCON.

When is Everton vs Arsenal?
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 8:00 PM GMT at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Where did Grealish make these comments?
On a Stan Sport football podcast alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

What do you think of Grealish's take? Is Saka more effective than flashy, or does Ndiaye deserve the "most skilful" crown? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, share this article, and follow TrendyNews.space for live updates, reactions, and more Premier League analysis throughout the season!