Paul Merson reacts to Miguel Almiron’s full Newcastle debut

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Miguel Almiron made his first start for Newcastle United in their weekend win in the Premier League.

Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (broadcast on 23/2 from 17:15) that he was very impressed by Miguel Almiron on his full Newcastle debut, and suggested that he looks like he is ready to take his chance in the Premier League.

Almiron joined the Magpies in a club-record £21 million move in January (via Guardian), and the fans got their first glimpse of the 25-year-old during their draw with Wolves earlier this month when he came off the bench with 18 minutes remaining.

Rafa Benitez did not wait long to hand the Paraguay international his first start however, as he was included in the lineup for the home clash with Huddersfield at the weekend.

While he did not score or provide an assist in the 2-0 win, he will have certainly provided Newcastle fans with a lot to be excited about as he put in a superb performance. And Merson suggested after the game that the Magpies seem to have pulled off an inspired piece of business by signing Almiron.

“The lad, Almiron, he looks a decent player,” he told Sky Sports. “He went through one on one at the start, great touch, cut across the defender so he can’t bring him down and he just chips it over the keeper.

“It hasn’t gone in, but to have the bottle to do that on your home debut, you’re going through one on one with the keeper, there’s 50-60,000 people there, you’ve been bought for a lot of money and he dinks it. I think he’s a good player. I think they’ve had a right result here, Newcastle.

“He’s got good vision. He runs with the ball, he’s willing to work. He looks like one of those that’s very grateful to be in the Premier League and he’s going to take his chance and he’s going to enjoy it.”

If Benitez stays at St James’ Park, then Almiron’s success could have big implications for the Spaniard moving forward. If he builds upon his very bright start, then Benitez has every right to ask for greater funds in the market in future as he has shown that he can bring in the right players when given the marquee funds to spend.