Benitez playing Almiron on the wing is a mistake
By Durim Halimi
Miguel Almiron has been playing as a winger for Newcastle United, but that must change so he can start scoring goals.
Miguel Almiron has been playing out of position ever since he joined Newcastle United at the end of the January transfer window. The former Atlanta United star has the pace to blow past defenders down the flank and he is a good passer, but he cannot be a playmaker as a winger.
Most people, and this includes our editorial staff, assumed that Almiron would replace Ayoze Perez as the attacking midfielder behind Salomon Rondon, but that clearly has not been the case. It is true that Almiron has had a major impact on the club’s offensive efficiency and it is noted by the fact that the Toon have claimed 10 points since Almiron’s first start on February 23rd.
The Paraguayan international is playing well on the wing, but that position is placing a ceiling on his individual success. There is no doubt that Almiron would score more goals and bag more assists if Rafa Benitez stops playing him as a winger.
Proposal #1: Almiron as a CAM
The first tactical proposal would move Almiron from the wing to the middle of the park behind Rondon. Playing in this position would make Newcastle’s attack difficult to stop for a few reasons. Firstly, by playing right behind Rondon, Almiron could scope the Venezuelan striker out with short through balls up the middle instead of forcing Rondon to rely on perfect crosses to create a scoring chance.
Secondly, Almiron’s pace and dribbling abilities would attract the attention of defenders and this would create at least one open channel for either Rondon or the nearest winger to sneak in the penalty area and create a chance. Finally, playing as a number ten would enable him to test the keeper with shots more often. As a winger, Almiron needs to cut inside and go around multiple defenders before getting a good look at goal. That is too much work to create one chance.
Proposal #2: Almiron and Rondon Up Top
This next proposal would see Almiron play up top as a striker with Rondon. Joselu and Yoshinori Muto are not meant to be in the Premier League, and Perez regularly lacks precision in front of goal. From what we saw during his time in Argentina and in the States, Almiron can be a dangerous striker.
Newcastle supporters should not expect him to get on the end of headers for goals, but he can bury shots with both feet. Physical strength could be a problem for him, but combining his pace with Rondon’s strength in the box could be a dangerous combination that sees them scoring more goals for Newcastle.