Steve Bruce has praised “great lad” Miguel Almiron ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Crystal Palace, revealing how he “works every day as though it is his last” in training.
It has been nearly a year since the Paraguayan international’s record move from Atalanta in January this year, and despite a bright start to life on Tyneside, Almiron has failed to score a single goal since the switch.
Bruce has on numerous occasions leaped to the 25-year-old’s defence, highlighting that his game is more than just goals and that he still contributes massively to the team.
Here is what the gaffer had to say this morning, praising his attitude, professionalism and ability as a player:
“We would love him to score more goals but he works every day as though it is his last.
“He comes in, he is a wonderful professional, he is a great lad, a good player so I have no problems with Almiron because of what he gives the team and the threat he causes.”
“I understand that he hasn’t scored and having spoken to a lot of people about last year, he lit it up & gave us impetus. That hasn’t changed in my view.
“We’d love him to score, of course we would, but he gives us something & offers a threat. I’m pleased with him”
In the words of Kevin Keegan “we’d love it” if Almiron hit the back of the net more often – and he may have a chance to get off the mark tomorrow, with him expected to return from injury against Crystal Palace.
That said, Bruce is right in saying that Almiron does work his socks off when he represents our club, with his comments showing what a hard worker and good professional he is both on and off the pitch.
Newcastle fans famously revealed a banner in the Steve McClaren era saying “we don’t demand a team that wins, we demand a team that tries”, and that is exactly what Miggy Almiron does – he tries.
His signing also embodies everything that banner represents. The ambition to break our record fee on a talented player from the MLS got the fans off their seat after years of misery in the transfer market.
The 5-4-1 system hasn’t helped his cause, but fans are in acceptance that it is the best way for us to get results right now, and I have no doubt that we will see the best of Miggy Almiron in time to come.
His lack of composure in front of goal is an issue, but it feels like that won’t change until he bags that all important first goal to get that monkey off his back.
Lets behind him. Hopefully he’ll raise the roof tomorrow with his first goal for the club!
