Carragher credits Man City star Grealish for Newcastle man’s ‘absolutely scintillating’ form

Jamie Carragher has explained how Manchester City star Jack Grealish has “motivated” Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron to hit top form.

The Paraguay international has been putting in some brilliant displays in recent weeks, scoring five goals in his last five Premier League matches and contributing six for the season.

That comes after Almiron could only manage to bag nine goals in his previous 110 Premier League appearances for Newcastle.

His form has coincided with a great start to the season for the Magpies as Eddie Howe’s side currently sit fourth in the Premier League table after 12 matches.

Grealish mocked the Newcastle forward during last season’s title-winning celebrations claiming that Bernardo Silva should’ve been substituted in their final match of the season after he “played like Almiron”.

And now Carragher has highlighted that Grealish’s jibe could’ve been used as motivation for Almiron, who is joint-fifth top goalscorer in the Premier League so far this term.

“The form this man is in is absolutely scintillating,” Carragher said during his co-commentary for Sky Sports.

“It comes from Lloris’ again, it’s not a great pass out wide but Almiron just goes past Lenglet like he’s not there. The goalkeeper throws his arms out again but he should do better Hugo.

“The confidence this lad has got now, he wouldn’t have done that last season. No doubt about it.

“He just opens his body up and finds that far corner after showing the strength initially but the confidence to go past the defender and open it up.

“This fella is a different player and the man that’s motivated it is not just Eddie Howe, it’s Jack Grealish.”

Speaking about Almiron’s form ahead of their 2-1 win over Tottenham, Newcastle boss Howe said: “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.

“For me, he’s given me everything from day one, very committed to the team. He’s a real team player and he’s getting the recognition that he deserves.

“I don’t know if he’s doing anything differently. I think he’s playing with confidence. He’s always been incredible out of possession – many times I’ve played against Newcastle, the work-rate that he gives the team can’t be questioned.

“Of course, then you want product from your wide-men, you want goals, assists. He’s producing the goals and some of the goals he’s scoring are spectacular and have been game-changers for us.”

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