Newcastle United 2019-20 player preview: Miguel Almiron

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United shoots while under pressure from Wes Morgan of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on April 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United shoots while under pressure from Wes Morgan of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on April 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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After an intriguing six month start to his Newcastle United career, Miguel Almiron will be relied on to be the star this season.

Newcastle United broke their transfer record in January to sign Atlanta United superstar Miguel Almiron. His six months with the Magpies after arriving from Major League Soccer brought excitement, intrigue, but not a lot of production. With a preseason under his belt, the Paraguayan will be expected to put up big numbers for Steve Bruce’s side.

By the Numbers

Age: 25

Contract runs until: June 2024

2018-19 EPL stats: 10 appearances, 24 passes per match, eight shots on target

2019-20 Outlook

While he may not be the club’s most expensive transfer anymore, he will still be expected to play like it. Last season, he flashed his pace, dribbling, and creativity. But, he didn’t show off his ability to score goals or assist on them. He hit the post once and had some opportunities but couldn’t turn his promise into production.

This year, the club needs him. They need him to be an action man but also show some clinical passing and finishing in the final third. He will have two new partners in crime up top in Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin. All three will be expected to produce, but Almiron will have less leeway for a slow start with more Premier League experience than his attacking counterparts.

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Expert Predictions

Durim Halimi: Top two in goals and assists for Newcastle United

Miguel Almiron should have a breakout season and I expect him to fill up the stat sheet. Last season, Almiron had a significant impact on the pitch as he set up big plays that led to goals, but Steve Bruce wants to see him play alongside Joelinton as a striker and this will enable Almiron to create more chances for himself. Almiron could have a very big season, and his individual success could directly translate to more victories for the Magpies. Look for Miggy to finish among the top two in both goals and assists.

Carson A. Merk: Miggy will register double-digits in goals and assists. 

As you read in our season predictions, I expect Almiron to lead the club in goals. I think he will be more confident in front of goal and will blossom into a 10-15 goal player. For assists, he will link up well with the speed and skill of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin, plus bench options like Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto.