Almiron discusses his new role at NUFC, Joelinton & why goal drought doesn’t worry him

Miguel Almiron has insisted that he’s ‘relaxed’ about his wait for a goal at Newcastle United, saying he ‘feels good’ and is ‘confident’ they will come.

In a rare interview, the Paraguayan also speaks tells NUFC.co.uk about his new role in the Steve Bruce’s side and his new striker partner, Joelinton.

Here’s what he’s had to say about being played more centrally – also discussing his developing partnership with our new £40m Brazilian:

“I think this position the manager is asking me to play now is a position I feel very, very comfortable in – I like playing there,”

“Gradually we are trying to build up an understanding between Joe and myself – he’s a great player.

I think that understanding will come on the field.”

While the pair were often too far apart to link up on Sunday, we’ve seen glimpses from the pair over pre-season, with both seeming like hugely talented and dynamic players who could be a nightmare for Premier League defences once they’ve had time to gel.

The 25-year-old then responded to questions about his ‘goal drought’, with many excited by his potential and all round play, but anxious to see him score that all important first goal for the club:

“I’m quite relaxed about it”

“The main thing is that I’m performing well and providing opportunities for other players, and I’m bringing things to the side other than just goals.

“I’ve never been a massive goalscorer, but I’m confident that the goal will come. You don’t have to worry about these things too much and the goal will come. I feel good in myself, and the main thing is to help the team in every aspect.

“The fact that quality players have come in, attacking players, is a positive for the club and the team. It’s all about working hard, and as that understanding develops it can only be a good thing.”

One thing I will always say about Almiron is that his work rate, enthusiasm, unselfish play and ability to create something from nothing means that he’ll always be a real nuisance for any side – even if he’s not scoring – but that goal can’t come soon enough.

With Joelinton and Saint-Maximin both young and under big pressure to hit the ground running in a new league, we’ll have to hope Almiron can find his shooting boots soon – especially when he’s now being played in a central forward role.

Finally, the former Atlanta star spoke about how he’s settled into life on Tyneside over six months on from his move from America:

“Off the field, personally I’m feeling good as well in terms of how I’ve settled since I first got here, so hopefully that will help on the field.

“I think it’s really important, a player’s family life. When you feel comfortable, happy and relaxed and things are going well off the field, I think you feel the benefits of that on it. It helps you to perform at 100 per cent.

“I’m very happy in the city, with the people and how I’m treated by the fans, and hopefully that reflects on the field. I want to pay back all those kind thoughts and good wishes I receive all the time from the fans by performing.”

I’m a firm believer that we’ll see this guy fly once he’s grabbed that first goal – something he deserves and has been unlucky not to get after a bright first six months at St James’ Park.

Let’s hope his first goal and our first win of the season can arrive at Norwich on Saturday!

(Fancy writing for us? Get in touch at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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