Callum Wilson believes Miguel Almiron's sensational form may in part be 'driven' by a determination to 'put respect' on his name after Jack Grealish's now infamous jibe. Newcastle United's former record signing was named the club's player of the month for October, netting six times as the Magpies won five out of six Premier League fixtures.
Almiron is the latest Newcastle star to enjoy a revival under Eddie Howe, having scored just once in 32 appearances last term. The 28-year-old's work rate on Tyneside has never been in doubt, but the Paraguay international has often frustrated with his end product.
Grealish's 'played like Almiron' taunt at Riyad Mahrez's expense during City's title celebrations in May went viral on social media. Wilson insists he was 'oblivious' about the jibe until recently, and was asked if the comment had left his team-mate 'fuming'.
READ MORE: Howe's work, Bruno and Trippier tactic, Grealish motivation - Inside Almiron's Newcastle revival
He told the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast : "Obviously that comment was made, and I actually didn't even realise the comment had been made until recently. When someone was saying that, I was like what was said?
"I was just oblivious to it really. Someone was saying 'Jack said this, Jack said that'. He's [Almiron] South American, he's such a nice guy, he's happy, he didn't really comment on it.
"He just shook his shoulders, and I think internally he's probably used it as motivation and driven him. But he hasn't said anything to me.
"His English is quite good, but I can imagine it would have been a little bit frustrating for him to hear that about himself. He's thought you know what, put some respect on my name for myself. It's to his credit really, he's doing really well."
Wilson earned an assist for Almiron's latest strike, with the winger once again stepping inside and firing into the far corner during Newcastle's emphatic victory over Aston Villa. The Magpies' number nine could not hide his delight at his team-mate's stunning form, and believes 'confidence' is the key to the former MLS star's newfound killer instinct.
Wilson added: "He's doing a madness to be fair to him, and I'm so happy for him. He's a player who works non-stop on and off the ball, so before this season and this spell of games, I think he scored two in 40-odd games or something like that, maybe even more.
"But now, he's just got that confidence of taking shots on wherever. He's finding the balance of shooting at the right time, still not passing 100% at the right time to my disappointment. You know what it's like as a striker!
"But he's doing well, and you give the ball to him and he gets you an assist. I get an assist for it, but to be honest I didn't do a lot.
" Almiron has had that quality in training from when I arrived, and it's just about putting it into practice in the games. He's starting to do that which is credit to his hard work, and also the manager getting the best out of him, and it's helping us as a team."
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