Roberto Martinez has stated that he has been ‘very impressed’ by Newcastle United and the transformation they have made during the past 12 months under Eddie Howe, as he told Amazon Prime Sport (19/10/22 at 11:25 pm).
The Belgium coach added that Miguel Almiron is also now showcasing the form he displayed during his days in the MLS, after he scored yet again on Wednesday night.
After securing a then club-record transfer of £20 million to St James’ Park in 2019 from Atlanta United (BBC Sport), there were high expectations on the winger’s shoulders.
He struggled for large parts, especially under the defensive-minded and morale-sapped reign of Steve Bruce, before Howe entered the building and now the 28-year-old can’t stop scoring.
Almiron has five in 11 Premier League games this term, including scoring during his side’s 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday night.
Watching from afar, Roberto Martinez likes the direction Newcastle are heading down, as he bigged up Almiron.
“Very impressive 12 months, if you look at how the last 12 months have been for Newcastle,” said Martinez. “The number of points. The way that they are starting to play, with an incredible expansion.
“See Almiron, this is a player we saw in the MLS and we didn’t see (in the Premier League). When you see individual players and creative players enjoying their football, it’s because the team is growing all the time. It’s a very impressive season so far.”
ALMIRON SURGING FORWARD
Perhaps Jack Grealish should call out Almiron again because he has embarrassed the £100 million Manchester City man since he made those comments at the end of last season.
It’s a credit to the player for never giving up because, when the new Saudi-led ownership arrived, it would have been easy to say that Almiron was one of the players that would leave.
Yet, he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet as the Magpies are flying in their European push.
Ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Tottenham at the weekend, they are sitting sixth in the table and if things go well at the weekend, then they could be sitting in the top-four.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
