.png)
Miguel Almiron has dismissed the idea that Jack Grealish's comments have propelled his form, after winning the Premier League Player of the Month award.
Since coming to England in 2019, it has taken Almiron a while to live up to the hope that Newcastle United fans had for the Paraguayan.
At the end of last season the 28-year-old was even used as a way to poke fun at Riyad Mahrez, by the forward's Manchester City teammate Grealish.
Advert
Pep Guardiola's side had just won the Premier League, having come from behind to beat Aston Villa in a game which Mahrez was nowhere near his best.
Fans thought it was disrespectful that the following day, at the trophy parade around Manchester, Grealish claimed Mahrez had 'played like Almiron.'
That has pretty much backfired completely on the former Aston Villa player, with Almiron in resplendent form at the beginning of this campaign.
Advert
Fans have been claiming the former Atlanta United player took the comments personally, on his way to eight goals in 14 games so far.
That form has led him to win October's Player of the Month award and he's been forced to deny that he's been inspired by the City star.
"I don’t think anything that Jack [Grealish] said has got anything to do with the great form and performances that we’ve been showing as a group of players.," Almiron said when asked on Sky Sports.
"Jack is a great player first and foremost and I wish him all the best, as I always do.
Advert
"But this success is down to work, more work and even more hard work."
Whilst Almiron's form has soared, things have not got any better for Grealish, after failing to live up to his £100 million price tag in first season.
The England international has only scored once in the league since August, against Wolves after just seconds of that game kicking off.
Advert
He was very honest about his performances for Pep Guardiola's side after the game, praised for being aware he needs to do more.
"I should be scoring more, I should be getting more assists. But yeah the only thing I can do is score and get assists. You know, I'm always going to have people talking about me with the amount I got brought for," Grealish said at the time.
On Grealish's comments about Almiron, even Newcastle boss Eddie Howe addressed them, earlier in the season, saying, "I don’t think Miggy is motivated by anything other than trying to be his best for Newcastle and for the supporters, who absolutely love him and rightly so.
Advert
"...I don’t think I’ve noticed a difference in his character. He’s been very consistent – that’s a strength – he’s been very happy every day, very pleased to be part of the team, has very close friends within the squad.
"What I have noticed is a real confidence in his training, in his technical delivery of what we’re asking him to do – I think that’s definitely gone up a level."
Fans will soon be begging Grealish to discourage their players...
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/InstagramTopics: Jack Grealish, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Premier League
