Barry-Murphy, City’s Elite Development Squad manager, was thrilled with Grealish’s attacking intent but even more impressed by his defensive work for the good of Pep Guardiola’s team.
With the game at 1-0 to Liverpool, Grealish cut out a cross from Mohamed Salah, which would have released Jota for a chance to double the advantage.
Shortly after, Grealish was on hand to set up Julian Alvarez for a leveller – and the rest is history as City powered to a brilliant three point haul against the Reds.
Barry-Murphy, a keen student of the game, insisted he will be showing his EDS players footage of Grealish’s heroics to demonstrate the dedication and commitment needed at the highest level.
He told Matchday Live: “For me, Jack Grealish’s performance was on another planet in terms of what he did.
“We will probably forget what he did when it was 1-0 running back the length of the pitch to stop Liverpool going 2-0. That was a key moment in the game.
“He earned the right to get that standing ovation based on what he did.
“I will be showing our young players the images of what he did in terms of running back and he also made a massive tackle on Harvey Elliott in the opening stages of the second half.
“It doesn’t always get highlighted but that will send a clear message in terms of the hunger of these guys and the intensity that they’re playing at is incredible.
“To put on a performance like that against a team of Liverpool’s calibre is a big sign of what’s to come for the rest of the season. It couldn’t be more exciting for a City fan.”
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Steve Howey, who joined Barry-Murphy and Olympian Brogan Crowley on the show, was in complete agreement on the performance of Grealish.
Howey was delighted to see ‘lovely lad’ Grealish star, alongside Riyad Mahrez, who also drew praise from the former City stopper.
He added: “I thought Mahrez was brilliant.
“He is someone where, as a defender, if he backs you up into the box, you’re in big trouble. He’s very good at that.
“But for me, Jack Grealish was brilliant. I am so, so pleased for him.
“He comes across as a lovely, lovely lad. But what a performance!”
