It was a hard summer for Antony. After an impressive six months on loan at Betis, he was forced to train alone, a member of Man United’s now infamous ‘bomb squad’ alongside the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
Truth be told, regardless of what he did at Betis, his time at Old Trafford was over, he simply couldn’t handle all that came with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, which isn’t a criticism, it’s a very human response.
There were reports all throughout the transfer window that clubs across Europe and in Saudi Arabia were interested in the 25-year-old, but he had his heart set on a return to Betis. So, how is he getting on?
Brimming with confidence as Real Betis climb La Liga
Real Betis have never been one of the ‘big boys’ in Spain, in fact their only La Liga win came all the way back in 1934-35, under the guidance of Irish coach Patrick O'Connell, for those of us who remember.
Over the past five or so years, however, especially under the reign of Manuel Pellegrini, Betis have consistently qualified for European football, even making it to the Europa Conference League final last season, which they ultimately lost 4-1 to Chelsea.
This season, they’re currently in fifth following comfortable 3-0 La Liga win over Mallorca on Sunday (November 1), just three points off the Champions League places and looking like they may challenge for a spot in Europe’s biggest club tournament come the end of the season.
Antony has been at the heart of their impressive start. The Brazilian bagged a brace in the win over Mallorca, as well as provided the assist for Abdessamad Ezzalzouli who scored their third.
Unlike during his time in England, Antony is brimming with confidence, and it’s showing on the pitch. After the game he lamented the fact he didn’t get a hattrick, saying: "Very happy with the result, it's very important.
"We knew how important today's match was because losing the three points at home against Atlético was very tough. Now, winning at home is very important for our confidence. We're moving on. I'm very happy with the two goals and the assist. It's a shame I didn't get the third, but that's part of the game."
He came agonisingly close to claiming a hat-trick, finding himself with a clear chance to score his third goal, but Mallorca goalkeeper Lucas Bergström pulled off an excellent save to deny him.
"Yes, I had plenty of space and I controlled it, but the goalkeeper did very well too," Antony acknowledged, reflecting on the missed chance. "I think he touched it with his fingertips, but the most important thing is the three points and to keep this up with confidence."
The numbers don’t lie
Following his torrid spell at Man United, Antony is already starting to look like a big fish in a small pond at Betis. During his two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, Antony only scored 12 goals in 96 appearances across all competitions. At Betis, he’s bagged 14 in 35.
The pace and ferocity of the Premier League was certainly a factor for Antony, he struggled to get the better of defenders and despite all his trickery, was remarkably easy to play against. It turns out spinning around a bunch of times doesn’t really do much.
At Betis he’s like a totally different player. He’s far more effective in the final third, already having created 13 chances across his seven La Liga games, seven successful crosses, and 28 touches in the opposition box.
Antony is far and away Betis’ main attacking outlet, sitting as their top goal scorer with four, having the most shots per 90 minutes with 3.8, and an xA per 90 of 0.23. To put it simply, he’s creating chances and putting them away.
He was widely criticised for his lack of defensive output during his time in the Premier League, no one can say that about him now. Pellegrini has Antony pressing and working like a mad man.
The winger has won the ball in the final third six times, made 37 recoveries, and five interceptions. He’s not afraid to stick a leg in either, making ten tackles, and winning 33 duels.
Verdict
There was always a player in here somewhere with Antony and it’s a shame he never showed it during his time at Man United. If his time with Betis so far has proven anything, it’s that he just needed to feel loved.