da dobrowin: Miguel Almiron has endured tough spells this season but he remains confident in his ability and thankful for the role of Newcastle supporters.
What did he say?
da stake casino: The Paraguay international has been a regular starter under Steve Bruce so far, as he was under Rafael Benitez, but this term he has mostly been unable to display the flair and unpredictability which allowed him to shine when he first joined.
It would be easy to pinpoint that decline on a lack of confidence, as Almiron has only one goal for the Magpies, but the winger is keen to assert that he has not experienced such a feeling.
Instead, he has faith in his ability to deliver for Newcastle as he has scored goals for the other teams he has played in, and with the backing of fans he has remained upbeat and determined to impress.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said:
“I’m sure goals will come. I score goals. I did it in South America, the MLS and I score for my country too. It’s just about doing what I’ve done throughout my career.
“Let’s hope the goals start flowing very, very soon. But I’ve felt the support of the fans so much from the start and they have been just fantastic. Their support has made me feel calm. I appreciate their backing and it makes me work even harder.
“Football is my life, it is my world. It is my happy place.”
Goals will come
As Almiron suggests, it is unusual for him to experience such a lengthy goal drought, and a little odd that he has scored more goals for his national team this season, with two goals.
He scored 22 goals in 70 games for Atlanta prior to his arrival at St. James’ Park, and that would indicate that there are other factors possibly constraining him from showing his best.
One reason behind his dip in form is because of the playing style Steve Bruce has implemented at the club, with a focus on counter-attack football and defensive organisation.
That limits the freedom Almiron has and how often he is able to get forward, and with a rate of 1.6 shots per game it is unsurprising that goals have been elusive.
It is true that he has missed his fair share of chances, which has contributed to criticism from fans, but he is an important player for the Magpies and needs Bruce to play in a manner which suits him best.
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At Atlanta the majority of his goals came when he occupied a central role in the team. That allowed him the freedom to roam and unsettle defenders that allows him to thrive, and he deserves a chance to prove himself playing there for Newcastle.
Almiron must use his belief to take up goalscoring positions more often, as a focus on running in behind the defence would provide him ample opportunity to build on his first goal against Crystal Palace.
In other news, Newcastle fans have been calling on the club to make Jetro Willems’ loan move permanent.