Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes it’s time Miguel Almiron was dropped by Steve Bruce, fearing the former MLS winger may not have the quality to cut it at Premier League level.
Speaking on Monday Night Football last night, the former Liverpool defender praised his ‘fantastic’ pace, yet feels there’s only so long Bruce can continue to select him after so many toothless displays in the attacking third.
Here’s what he had to say about the misfiring Paraguayan after his worryingly poor display at Villa Park last night:
“When I watch Almiron, he almost looks like he’s on fast forward,”
“The pace breaking is fantastic but the lack of quality in front of the goal really let them down but it was more before they even got to the finish tonight.
“They’re dangerous but the lack of quality massively lets them down. We’re laughing because in some ways we like what we’re seeing in terms of the burst of pace, you think it’s a nightmare for defenders, but I do think it has come to the stage now where Almiron has to come out the team.
“He hasn’t scored a goal or created a goal in how many games? 23.
“In some ways I feel a bit sorry for him, I felt that when he came in under Rafa he was trying too hard, but now you’re getting to the stage where you are worried if there is actually enough quality there to be in this team and in the Premier League.
“He had a tough start, a new manager comes in and he’s starting a new season, but to not get a goal or an assist, that’s actually hard to do if you’re an attacking player. I think it might be time for him to come out.”
What’s so frustrating about his performance last night was the fact it came after TWO promising displays in back-to-back wins over West Ham and Bournemouth.
OK, he didn’t score or grab an assist in either, but his general play, his confidence on the ball and the genuine threat he carried on the counter was great to see.
He really was awful last night, however, looking like a player with zero confidence, quality or composure when he got the ball anywhere near the final third.
Time for Atsu – who’s actually bagged a few assists this season – to come in for Saturday’s game with Man City?
