Steve Bruce believes Miguel Almiron was “easily the best player on the pitch” in our 3-2 win away at West Ham on Saturday.
It may be another game where the Paraguayan has failed to take his chances, with him still yet to get off the mark in black and white, however his all round performance and overall contribution was excellent.
Here’s what Bruce has had to say about the 25-year-old, praising his ‘remarkable’ intensity and fitness levels, saying he’s ‘sure’ a goal will come soon:
“Listen, for me he was easily the best player on the pitch.
“The shift he puts in for the team, his work rate and his attitude towards it – he will get a goal.
“Once he gets one we have another good player on our hands.
“It didn’t quite happen for him (a goal), but I’m sure it will.”
“His fitness levels and his figures and his numbers that he runs are quite remarkable. There’ll be nobody that covered more distance, sprinted more and played with more high intensity than he did.
“It’s just a shame that he can’t cap it off, but we go again.
“Let’s hope he can do it at St James’ Park on Saturday.”
Allan Saint-Maximin dazzled once again over the weekend, tearing Pablo Zabaleta apart, however it was Almiron’s performance that was arguably the most encouraging of all.
Yes he didn’t score, but his threat on the break, his intensity on and off the ball and his ability to win fouls and get West Ham on the back foot was brilliant, reminding me of the Almiron we saw under Rafa.
It’s absolutely essential that he gets off the mark soon, with his confidence levels in front of goal still visibly low, however I really am adamant that he’ll flourish once he finds the back of the net for the first time.
