Fans do not need to worry about Miguel Almiron

Miguel Almiron is yet to score a goal for Newcastle United, but the Paraguayan star will be fine.

Being the record signing for a club is never easy, especially when that club is Newcastle United. For a team that hardly spends large sums of money on new players, fans were excited that Mike Ashley finally decided to break the club’s transfer record by dishing out £21M for Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan international was one of the best players in Major League Soccer and the key question for most fans and pundits was whether or not he could play in the English Premier League.

Based on his performances thus far, the answer to that question is yes. Almiron is fitting in just fine with Newcastle and he has caused problems for multiple teams. The key stats that Newcastle fans are looking at, though, are his goals and assists. Almiron has made nine appearances for the Magpies this season, eight of which have been as a starter, but he has no goals or assists to his name. Some supporters are beginning to worry about his quality, but I am here to tell you that there is nothing to worry about.

Analzying Almiron

Going from Major League Soccer to the English Premier League is not a simple move. There is a great disparity in quality between the two leagues, but Almiron has adapted to the team and the league quite well. This is reflected in the fact that he has created 13 scoring chances for himself and has created several chances for his teammates in each game. In addition, his teammates are constantly looking to give him the ball so that he can lead an attack, and this was on full display in the 1-0 victory against Leicester City last Friday.

His pace has stunned almost everyone in the league and when he breaks free no one can catch him. His quick feet, superior dribbling skills and good vision are key reasons why Rafa Benitez plays Almiron out wide, but his traditional position is behind the striker as a number ten. Playing as an attacking midfielder is how Almiron earned the big bucks and the reputation as a playmaker for Atlanta United.

That being said, him playing on the wing is not an excuse for his lack of goals and assists. Almiron is fully capable of scoring as a winger, but he is still in the phase of figuring out when to be selfish and when to look for others inside the box. His decisions and involvement against Leicester City are a good sign for Newcastle because it shows that he is becoming more confident and comfortable in England.

It is definitely frustrating to see your record-breaking signing not score in his first nine games with the club, but Almiron is showing his potential and has displayed a good work ethic that has earned him standing ovations on multiple occasions. The goals and assists will come, especially seeing that three of Newcastle’s last four opponents have conceded an alarming combined total of 181 goals. This season is all about him adapting to English football, but next season is when Newcastle fans should set high expectations for Almiron.

Goal Prediction: Almiron will score his first goal against Southampton this weekend. Take that prediction to the bank!