Eddie Howe expects Miguel Almiron to play an important role in his Newcastle United plans after a positive showing ahead of visiting Leicester on Sunday, via quotes by Chronicle Live.
The Toon boss handed Almiron his first Premier League start of his tenure against Burnley last week. He had elected to leave the Paraguayan to a backup role in the Magpies’ prior two games, with 23 and 13-minute cameo appearances against Arsenal and Norwich.
Almiron also failed to feature in Newcastle’s first match without Steve Bruce at the helm. He was a firm favourite of the ex-United boss, with seven starts over eight games this term.
Bruce stuck with Rafa Benitez’s £21m former Newcastle club-record signing, despite Almiron’s lack of form this season. He is yet to score or provide an assist, with the midfielder last scoring on February 6 and creating on September 12, 2020 – the opening day of the ‘20/21 campaign.
Almiron pleased Howe in Newcastle win over Burnley
Despite his wait to create continuing, Almiron pleased Howe with his performance and for taking his chance as Newcastle took their first win of the term against Burnley last week.
“This is what you want in my position. If you give someone an opportunity, you want them to take it and you want them to leave positive thoughts in your mind,” Howe said.
“I thought Miggy did that last week. His energy is very infectious and his attitude, you can see from how he plays, what he gives the team. I thought his work rate, from a defensive perspective, was very, very good.
“He also he had really good moments, going forward. He’s a very good runner in behind, physically he is excellent. His stats from the weekend were incredible really. So, he’s gonna be a really, really important for us. He’s someone that I really like.”
Almiron to repeat impressive Newcastle performance at Leicester?
Howe will hope Almiron can now repeat his impressive performance when Newcastle visit Leicester on Sunday. But he will also be itching to see the £42k-a-week ace’s droughts end.
Newcastle have only scored more than one goal in one of their last seven Premier League games. Even then, the match was a stalemate after clinching a 3-3 draw with Brentford.
They also lost 3-2 to Tottenham, 4-2 to West Ham and drew 2-2 with Southampton in the other Premier League games United have managed to score multiple goals so far this term.
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