Miguel Almiron can learn a lot from Allan Saint-Maximin

Expectations for Miguel Almiron are high on Tyneside, but the Paraguayan can reach new heights with Allan Saint-Maximin now in the lineup.

After Newcastle United’s impressive victory over Manchester United on Sunday, a few things stood out to fans and pundits, two of which involved Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin. Firstly, Almiron failed to score yet again and fans are starting to worry that the club spent £21m on a player who simply runs fast, but does nothing else. The second observation that fans from both clubs made is about how talented Saint-Maximin truly is.

The French winger was a dominant force against Manchester United. The Red Devils’ back-line simply had no answer for him. The former OGC Nice midfielder constantly called for the ball, took on multiple defenders and created chances from distance. Moreover, Saint-Maximin was the one who set up the game winning goal when he ran past a few defenders up the middle, found Jetro Willems, who then assisted Matty Longstaff.

Almiron, who used to receive standing ovations from the Toon Army for his performances, is now causing fans to roll their eyes out of frustration. The former MLS star is blessed with talent and he has plenty of potential to become a special player in England, but his poor decision making in front goal and lack of confidence is holding him back.

This, in my opinion, is where playing alongside Saint-Maximin can help him out. Last season, Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon carried the offensive load for the team. Almiron was tasked with being a playmaker who could set Perez and Rondon up with multiple opportunities to score in every game. Now that those two are gone, the pressure is on Almiron to contribute offensively with some much-needed goals. The Magpies have a quality striker in Joelinton up top, but it will take the 23-year-old time to adapt to the English Premier League after playing in the Bundesliga.

Seeing Saint-Maximin play with such confidence against a superior opponent should serve as a good lesson for Almiron going forward. It’s quite obvious that Almiron is talented, but he is far too timid. Yes, Saint-Maximin has the advantage because he has played in Europe, but Almiron has 18 games under his belt and he must break out of his shell.

Once he does that, Newcastle United could have one of the most dangerous winger duos in the entire league. Almiron has been given several chances, and I have even called for benching him because of his lack of goals, but maybe Saint-Maximin’s style of play and confidence can rub off on him.