MY ACCOUNT
Newcastle are on an upward trajectory — and Miguel Almiron is spearheading their charge up the table.
The energetic forward’s recent form for Eddie Howe’s sharp, well-drilled outfit has certainly been eye-catching.
Once mocked for his lack of goal involvements, the 28-year-old has transformed his end product with six strikes in six games — including several stunning efforts.
As Newcastle travel to face Southampton today, we look at the factors behind Almiron’s dazzling form.
Jack flak
Almiron’s impressive performances for Major League Soccer side Atlanta United earned him a move across the globe to Newcastle in January 2019.
The Paraguayan’s talent and work-rate have rarely been questioned — but his lack of end product in his first two-and-a-half seasons certainly led to some frustration among Newcastle fans.
At the end of last season, Jack Grealish — now infamously — mocked Almiron during Manchester City’s title-winning celebrations.
But Almiron has responded in style and his form has been one of the surprises of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
October madness
Newcastle enjoyed a brilliant October, beating Tottenham away from home and pulling off big wins against Fulham and Brentford.
Almiron has been key to the Magpies’ success, providing a threatening presence on the right-hand side.
His goal against Spurs summed up his new-found belief — he muscled Ryan Sessegnon off the ball and instead of looking for a safe pass, drove at Clement Lenglet, ghosting past the defender with ease before slotting past Hugo Lloris.
Six goals in six games is a fantastic return and could well earn him a Premier League Player of the Month award.
Howe has he done it?
Of course, Almiron has to take the most credit for his turnaround — but Howe’s role in the South American’s hot streak should not go unnoticed.
Almiron is not the only individual to benefit from the Englishman’s arrival on Tyneside, with the ex-Cherries boss salvaging Joelinton’s Newcastle career by moving the Brazilian into midfield.
In fact, the Magpies’ strength in midfield has provided a platform for their offensive players to shine, with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes frequently winning the ball back in the centre of the park.
Howe’s 4-3-3 system ensures Newcastle’s attacking players receive the ball in dangerous positions — and forwards like Almiron and Callum Wilson have benefitted as a result.
Full of praise
After Newcastle’s win at Spurs, Howe was full of praise for his electrifying winger and suggested Almiron was performing at a similar level last season.
He said: “I think last year [Almiron] played well, he just didn’t maybe get the goals that his performances deserved.
“I think if you’re not scoring as an attacking player then people don’t really tend to speak about you too much, but from a team perspective he did very well, especially later in the season.
“This season, I think he’s picked up where he left off from at the end of last season.”
Howe also explained what has changed in Almiron’s general output this season.
He said: “He’s added goals. He’s added some spectacular goals, like the one in midweek [against Everton], and the one against Fulham and he’s added some scrappy goals like the tap-in against Fulham.
“It’s just great he’s getting in goalscoring areas. He’s playing with confidence and he’s a very, very important member of the team.”
Form or class?
Almiron has undoubtedly been performing well — but the Toon Army are only 13 games into their league campaign.
The forward must maintain this level of production consistently if he is to dispel any concerns that his form is merely a flash in the pan.
Expecting Almiron to average a goal a game — as he has done over the last six outings — is unrealistic, but there is no reason why the 47-cap international cannot continue to impress and be a key component of Newcastle’s return to the top.
