Miguel Almiron's all round game has come on and he looks a top quality player.
That is the verdict of former Sunderland and England forward Kevin Phillips who was working on Newcastle's win over West Brom on Tuesday night.
Almiron has been moved into the number 10 role in the 4-2-3-1 system Steve Bruce has experimented with in Newcastle's last two games - a position he excelled in for Atlanta United.
The Paraguay international bagged a brace on Tuesday as he inspired the Magpies to a 3-2 victory at the Hawthorns, as United reached their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2006.
Having not scored for Newcastle for the best part of a year, Almiron is now Newcastle's top scorer in all competitions this season with six goals and Phillips has noticed the improvement he has made in recent months.
"He has become more clever in the last year," Phillips told BBC Radio 5Live.
"He is getting his head up more, there is a lot more composure, and, of course, the work rate is still there.
"You can see how much he is adored by the Newcastle supporters and you saw the reception he got when he was taken off.
"Tonight, he showed a bit of everything. His decision making, his intelligence was spot on and his finishing was outstanding tonight.
"His all round game from last year has come on. He looks a top quality player."
"He always has a smile on his face even when he was having a hard time.
"He has always worked hard but now he is getting the goals, he looks like a man full of confidence.
"A bit like Saint-Maximin, these players six months ago would run down a blind alley and make bad decisions.
"Even Saint-Maximin at times tonight was creating good opportunities for Almiron and vice-versa.
"I have seen a lot of promise in these two players that will give Newcastle a lot of hope for the rest of the season."
