Jamie Carragher believes Jack Grealish’s distasteful comments about Miguel Almiron inspired his astonishing turnaround. In May, the midfielder took aim at the Paraguayan amid Manchester City’s title celebrations.
Grealish mocked teammate Riyad Mahrez for his final-day performance against Aston Villa, joking that the winger “played like Almiron” - a comment that was widely condemned by Newcastle supporters.
Since then, the Magpies’ man has looked like a man possessed to play his best football in a Newcastle shirt to date. Another goal against Tottenham Hotspur took his tally for the season to six, meaning 38% of his Premier League goals have been scored this season.
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Sky Sports pundit Carragher eulogised the 28-year-old after his first-half strike - and had a swipe at City star Grealish. He said: “The form this man is in is scintillating. With the confidence this lad has, he wouldn’t have done that last season. He just opens his body. This guy is a different player, the man who’s motivated him is not just Eddie Howe, it’s Jack Grealish.”
Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand also hailed Almiron during the half-time interval. He added: “We highlighted Almiron and how he’s improved his game. He picks it up and goes at pace. You always tell people to go at defenders with pace and, when he does that, you know what is on his mind when he’s in this vein of form.
“A year ago, he would’ve gone past him and there wouldn’t have been any end product. Now, his confidence is up and that’s a great goal.”
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