Miguel Almiron has Newcastle United fans wondering if this is going to be the season he sets Tyneside alight. The Paraguayan has somewhat flattered to deceive since arriving from Atlanta United back in 2019 but has enjoyed a successful pre-season in Austria and Portugal, scoring twice against Benfica this week.
Eddie Howe's Newcastle are in the market for a new right-midfielder before the transfer window shuts in little over a month's time but Almiron has done enough in recent weeks to show he deserves to be starting in the Premier League opener in Nottingham Forest.
Kieran Trippier set up both of Almiron's goals inside the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening in the 3-2 defeat and the right-back singled his counterpart out for praise when asked about the Eusebio Cup performance.
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"It's always good obviously [to get assists]. I want to get forward as much as I can but I need to pick and choose the right moments, especially coming to place like this where you can't always bomb forward and you have to use your experience," Trippier told NUFC TV. "But I'm delighted for Miggy as well because he's worked so hard behind the scenes and he's had a fantastic pre-season."
Howe has always publicly backed Almiron as fans questioned whether he would ever find his best form in a black and white shirt. That was no different on Tuesday as the Magpies boss lavished praise on the wide man following his friendly display.
"It was excellent from Miggy and he could have scored another one as well. So getting goals from him in good goalscoring positions was great. His finishing was excellent, his second goal in particular was a great finish," Howe said.
"Miggy is such a good team player. He's great in the dressing room and every aspect of his personality is very good. I am delighted to see him scoring goals and playing with confidence. I hope it is the start of a really good season for him."
Almiron will play in one of the two St. James' Park friendlies this weekend and will back himself to start from the outset when Nottingham Forest visit the north east for the Premier League opener next month.
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