Miguel Almiron was a laughing stock amid Manchester City’s wild title-winning celebrations in May. Just hours after clinching his first Premier League, Jack Grealish - who played a peripheral role throughout the season - ripped into the Newcastle United forward.
The England international mockingly taunted teammate Riyad Mahrez, suggesting the winger “played like Almiron” in City’s dramatic final-day showdown. While rival fans laughed, Toon supporters leaped to the defence of their player who had produced signs of regaining his once-infectious confidence.
Almiron had only shown glimpses of the devastating form that has terrorised top-flight defences in recent weeks. The Paraguayan started just two of Eddie Howe’s first 16 games as Newcastle manager; summer talks had been ordered by his agent in January but, from March onwards, he showed signs of improvement.
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A stunning wondergoal against Crystal Palace in April was his highlight towards the tail end of the campaign. However, six goals in pre-season heightened excitement - leading supporters to believe Almiron was now Howe’s latest revival on Tyneside.
Mercurial displays in recent wins over Fulham and Brentford have quashed desperation from supporters to sign a new right winger. For context on his turnaround, a staggering 38% of the 28-year-old’s Premier League goals have come in 2022.
Former Toon defender Jose Enrique is stunned by the improvement in Almiron this season. Speaking to Midnite, the Spaniard fired a swipe at Grealish - insisting he would rather have the Newcastle man than Pep Guardiola’s £100million dud.
“For me, if I was City manager, I would rather have Miguel Almiron than Jack Grealish,” Enrique said. “I love Almiron, I think he gives everything for the team. You can see he’s scoring goals now as well. He reminds me of Luis Diaz, that kind of player.
"They have the ability but they give everything for the team as well - they get it right. I love him. Almiron is someone who could play for a Champions League team. I love Almiron, he’s been one of their best performers.”.
Instead of retaliating with words, Almiron has allowed his actions to do the talking. Ironically, the Paraguayan has scored one more top-flight goal than Grealish since his record-breaking move - proving revenge is a dish best served cold.
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