Miguel Almiron has emerged as Newcastle United’s standout performer thus far this season, and former Magpies defender Warren Barton has lauded the attacker for his comeback.
The ‘big surprise’ of Newcastle United’s sensational start to the season has been Miguel Almiron. That is the opinion of former Magpies defender Warren Barton, who has praised the Paraguayan playmaker for displaying a “good mentality” in order to turn around his career on Tyneside.
After his club-record move in January 2019, Almiron had consistently struggled to deliver in the final third under successive managers. The former Atlanta United star’s work ethic could not be faulted, but he was frequently frustrated by his lack of goals and assists.
Following his appointment in November last year, Eddie Howe initially preferred Ryan Fraser on the right flank, with Almiron mostly serving as a substitute as Newcastle secured survival. However, the 28-year-old has emerged as a key member of the squad this season, earning the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October.
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Almiron has eight Premier League goals so far, which is already his career high.
“He’s not in the same mold as Peter Beardsley, but he reminds me of him.” Pedro would give his all in training, running around, and slide tackling and Almiron does the same. He’s on a roll right now, and you couldn’t ask for anything better because he has such an endearing smile and a strong desire to succeed.
“I felt for him when he was struggling, and I believed in him.” Even though it was the MLS, you could see a good player who tries, wants to work hard and has good attributes. He’s having a great time right now and has a positive attitude.”
Almiron’s future was the subject of speculation in the summer, with the forward entering the final two years of his contract at St James’ Park. Barton is confident the in-form attacker realized there were no better options than fighting for his place at Newcastle and is now reaping the ‘rewards’ for buying into Howe’s philosophy.
The pundit added: “Going back to the end of last season, there were rumblings that he wasn’t in and the agent got involved. He was looking around and he’s bought into what we’re doing, and he’s getting the rewards. Hopefully, it continues for a long time because he’s a smashing little player and he’s by all accounts an even better person.
“There will be a time he won’t score every match unless he’s Alan Shearer. But, he understands the work rate, the pressing, and he’s getting the rewards which are great to see.”
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