Miguel Almiron endured a difficult afternoon as Newcastle United suffered a defeat.
Charlie Nicholas told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (broadcast on 6/4 from 17:15) that he would like to see Miguel Almiron told to play closer to Salomon Rondon by Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez after his performance in the defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Magpies remain a little uncertain of their Premier League status after the Eagles won 1-0 at St James’ Park. Benitez’s side are seven points clear of the bottom three, but have played a game more than Cardiff City.
Almiron had a frustrating afternoon as he struggled to make an impact. He has been very bright since arriving on Tyneside, but he is still awaiting his first goal or assist in the Premier League.
And Nicholas believes that allowing the Paraguay international to work closer with Rondon could be the key to unlocking his full potential over the coming weeks.
“His willingness with the ball and without the ball is still there. His touch is slightly off which is a surprise. But him and Wan-Bissaka, he’s got pace, Almiron’s trying to run him, that was a good contest,” he told Sky Sports.
“If I was Rafa, I’d play him a bit closer to Rondon and let Perez do a bit more of the harder work. He’s doing too much, too deep. If I want him in the team to make a difference, I want him closer to Rondon.”
Almiron is under a fair bit of pressure. Having joined Newcastle for a club-record fee, his form could perhaps have ramifications when Benitez asks the board to invest in his more ambitious transfer targets in future windows.
The 25-year-old looks to have a frightening amount of potential, and it should surprise no-one if he comes seriously good sooner rather than later.
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