MIGGY STARDUST ANSWERS JIBES
‘ALMIRON SEES BIG PICTURE’
MIGUEL ALMIRON has risen above Jack Grealish’s insult and is motivated by “positive” forces, claims Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle winger is in the running to be named the Premier League’s player of the month after scoring six goals in October.
In May, during Manchester City’s title-winning parade, Grealish joked: “Riyad [Mahrez], take him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron.”
This season it has sparked a ‘playlikealmiron’ hashtag on social media as the Paraguay star has sparked Newcastle’s charge into fourth place.
Almiron has yet to break his silence on the Grealish dig, which until this season contained an element of truth.
He has added goals and end product to his relentless running power, and Toon head coach Howe said: “I think Miggy’s motivations are much bigger than that. Any comment anyone can make in the world, whether it is about me or someone else, you have to have a bigger picture.
“The bigger picture for Miggy is being the best he can be for Newcastle. He loves the club, the supporters love him, he loves the supporters and his motivations are greater than any comment from any individual. He is proud to play for his country as well so he has huge positive things in his life that drive him.”
Howe does not regard the row as “relevant” in Almiron’s upturn in form, which has come with Newcastle’s vast improvement as an attacking and defensive outfit – creating more chances and playing higher up the pitch. Howe admired Almiron before he became Toon boss a year ago. He said: “Down the years I’ve learnt never to underestimate players’ abilities given the right surroundings, conditions and confidence. “You never know what someone is capable of until you start working with them. Miggy’s started scoring goals and I’m really pleased for him, but his overall performances have been very strong.The right attitude and good consistent work can elevate them to performances even they didn’t think they were capable of.” Asked if Almiron’s form has altered the club’s plans to strengthen with a right winger, Howe said: “If there was a player we feel could improve the squad then we will always look at that. “We are looking at every position to improve, and that won’t change with the ambition of the owners. The players who have done well for us will be respected.”