Jack Grealish Hails Riyad Mahrez’s First Touch as the Best He’s Ever Seen

Since signing for Manchester City in 2021, Jack Grealish has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the most technically gifted players in recent Premier League history.

From Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva to Ilkay Gündogan, the Englishman has trained with players who make the game look effortless, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Playing under Pep Guardiola for nearly four years has only enhanced Grealish’s technical ability, giving him an education in football that most players would envy. But while he has heaped praise on his current teammates—calling Foden the most skillful player at the club and Bernardo a “magician”—Grealish also recognizes the brilliance of former City stars like Riyad Mahrez, João Cancelo, and Aymeric Laporte.

Grealish: “Mahrez’s First Touch is the Best I’ve Ever Seen”

Among all the technical maestros he has played with, Riyad Mahrez stands out for one particular skill—his first touch.

Speaking to Bleacher Report while constructing his “perfect winger”, Grealish didn’t hesitate in choosing the Algerian when asked who had the best ball control.

“I’ll go Riyad,” Grealish said.
“His control, man, is the best I’ve ever seen. I have good control, but I like to use the inside of my foot. Riyad could use the outside, the inside, even his leg—he’s just got all of them.”

Mahrez, known for his silky dribbling, precise shooting, and effortless ball manipulation, was a technical phenomenon at both Leicester City and Manchester City. His ability to control a ball with perfection made him a joy to watch and a nightmare for defenders.

Mahrez’s First Touch: Admired by Players and Pundits

Grealish isn’t alone in his admiration. Gary Lineker and Troy Deeney have previously hailed Mahrez’s first touch as one of the best in football.

Even Phil Foden, one of the most technically refined players at City, admitted Mahrez was ahead of him in this department.

“I would say Riyad first, Bernardo second, then me,” Foden said in May 2024.
“Riyad had the best first touch I’ve ever seen. Never missed one.”

Mahrez’s touch wasn’t just about controlling the ball—it was about setting himself up perfectly for his next move. A prime example of this was his incredible goal in a 3-2 victory against Liverpool, where his exceptional control allowed him to shimmy past Andy Robertson and curl a stunning finish into the net.

Why Mahrez Was a Cut Above the Rest

Not many players possess the ability to control the ball in a way that immediately puts them in an ideal position to attack. Mahrez had mastered this art, making him a unique talent during his time in the Premier League.

Jack Grealish has seen some of the best technicians in football up close, but when it comes to first touch, the Al-Ahli winger remains the benchmark in his eyes.