EDDIE HOWE has been delighted with Miguel Almiron’s goalscoring transformation this season – but the Newcastle United manager insists the Paraguayan has not been inspired by a desire to prove Jack Grealish wrong.
During Manchester City’s title celebrations at the end of last season, Grealish mocked Almiron as he was asked to explain the secret to his side’s final-day comeback against Aston Villa. Joking about the decision to substitute Riyad Mahrez in the game at the Etihad, Grealish said, “Take him off the pitch as soon as possible – he played like Almiron.”
Ironically, Mahrez has barely kicked a ball for Manchester City this season, whereas Almiron has become one of the key players in Newcastle’s starting side, with his five goals so far this term making him the Magpies’ leading scorer. In comparison, Grealish has scored one goals in ten matches in all competitions.
Understandably, Howe has been delighted with Almiron’s performances in the last couple of months, but while the South American is known to be aware of Grealish’s comments, his manager is adamant they are not the explanation for his sudden upturn in front of goal.
“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,” said Howe, after Almiron’s superb first-half finish secured a 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday night.
“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.
“You can't under-estimate the quality of the goals that he's delivered for us. The one against Fulham was an incredible strike, and then this one (against Everton) too.
“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.”
Almiron’s form has made him all but impossible to drop, and the same is true of the players he has been playing alongside in the last few weeks.
Given the quality of Newcastle’s performance at Old Trafford on Sunday, it was no surprise that Howe opted to stick with the same starting XI against Everton, but when he takes his team to Tottenham on Sunday, he will have to balance the desire for more continuity with the demands of playing three Premier League games in the space of seven days.
A big part of the Newcastle head coach wants to keep things as they are, in an attempt not to lose any momentum, but there were various bumps and bruises to assess in the wake of Wednesday’s win – most notably relating to Fabian Schar and Joelinton – and Howe accepts he may be forced into alterations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“There could be changes,” he said. “I’ll always try to assess the squad, see where they are physically, and see if they can give their best effort. I felt (against Everton) we could.
“When you’re in a good moment, you’re reluctant to unbalance the team. The balance has been good, and I’ve been delighted with the dynamics of how the team has worked, but every game is different and we’ll prepare for Tottenham in the best way.”
If there are to be changes, Howe is toying with the option of handing Elliot Anderson his first league start. The 19-year-old started August’s Carabao Cup win at Tranmere, and has made six substitute appearances in the league this term, and after he came off the bench to positive effect in the closing stages of Wednesday’s win, Howe has predicted that a maiden Premier League start is not too far away.
“He’s very close,” said Howe. “He's a big part of our squad, he's regularly entering the pitch in different positions, which is great, he's got that versatility that at the moment we really need.
“He did well when he came on in a wide position (against Everton). I thought he gave us a little lift at a time in the game when we needed it, defended very well and supported Dan Burn on that left flank, so I was really pleased with Elliot."
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