Miguel Almiron has made a "massive" impact at Newcastle United and has improved the attacking players around him, believes Rafa Benitez.
The former Atlanta United playmaker delivered arguably his most impressive performance since his home debut against Huddersfield Town during the Magpies' 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday.
However, Almiron was forced off in the 64th minute with a hamstring problem - an injury which saw him depart the field in tears, seemingly having realised his season was about to end three matches prematurely.
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Since arriving from the MLS in January, the Paraguayan has made nine appearances, during which he has yet to provide a goal or an assist, and he has appeared desperate to score in recent matches.
But the raw figures alone belie the effect he has on the team; Almiron's pace, his willingness to run in behind, and his general movement have helped turn Newcastle into a far more dangerous offensive unit, and an even pacier proposition on the counter-attack.
Benitez has certainly been pleased with the contribution of a player he had tracked for the best part of 18 months before Newcastle finally signed Almiron for an initial £16million on transfer-deadline day in January, a deal which could yet reach a club-record £21m.
“The way he was on the pitch, it seems he thinks that," Benitez replied when asked if Almiron is set to miss the final three games of the season due to his hamstring injury.
“He was massive for us from day one. He was giving everybody a lift with his pace, workrate, and his assists.
"I think he made a mistake [against Southampton] with the chance he had because he had two options, but everyone was saying 'shoot' because they want him to score a goal.
"There was a chance to play wide, but he has been really important for us. He has been a good addition and I am really pleased for him."
While Almiron may yet to have find the back of the net himself, he has helped Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon excel in recent weeks - with the pair scoring 11 goals between them since the Paraguayan became the third member of the Magpies' front three in February.
With opposition defenders now preoccupied by Almiron's pace and movement, Perez and Rondon have been afforded greater time and space - and have profited because of that.
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Encouragingly, Benitez also feels that Magpies supporters will see the best of Almiron from the start of next term, given that he will be able to enjoy a first full pre-season with his team-mates.
What's more, the United manager also suggested he has been planning to rest some of his first-choice XI anyway, given that Newcastle are now mathematically safe, and so the likes of Christian Atsu and Yoshinori Muto will have the opportunity to push for a start against Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend following Almiron's injury.
“Everybody will need a rest soon, but hopefully he will be fine. Hopefully, it will not be too serious and he will be ready for next season," Benitez added.
"We signed Almiron, then Rondon was playing better, and Ayoze was playing better. Why? Because Almiron can run in behind, provide assists, and then Rondon has more time. Ayoze is the same, too."
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