Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron deserves a chance against Brighton – opinion

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While Newcastle are in red hot form, Miguel Almiron is massively out of favour.

The Paraguayan has struggled to make an impact since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce. He’s started just three times in the Premier League since the new manager arrived.

His last start was in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on December 19th. Interestingly, Newcastle haven’t lost in the league since that day.

Almiron’s best position is just behind the striker, but that doesn’t suit the system Howe has been deploying. That means he can only really play out wide, and those two positions have been occupied by Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser.

The former is one of the best players at the club, while the latter is currently playing his best football in a Newcastle shirt.

But with Saint-Maximin an injury doubt for the clash with Brighton, Almiron deserves a chance in the starting XI.

Eddie Howe waxed lyrical about Miguel Almiron during the week

Howe spoke to BBC Newcastle earlier in the week, and was asked about Almiron and his current role at the club.

“Miggy has got a very important part to play,” he said.

“I share everyone’s opinion of him. I think he’s, firstly, a brilliant character, a great lad, very bubbly and bright around the training ground. Shows a great attitude every day.

“I think he’s a very, very good player, athletically, and excellent and really suited for the Premier League.

“I think the challenge for Miggy is to force his way into the team.”

Miggy should get a chance this weekend

During Saint-Maximin’s absence, Almiron has remained on the bench. Instead of the former record signing, Howe has opted for Jacob Murphy. That seemed damning for Miggy.

Over the past two games, Murphy has done alright. He hasn’t been exceptional, but he hasn’t been terrible either. But he hasn’t done anything to prove why he should be in the team over Almiron.

Howe might speak highly of Almiron, but his actions say otherwise. If Saint-Maximin is ruled out of the Brighton game, the manager should make a change out wide and give the 28-year-old the chance he needs.

Whether it’s on the right or the left (preferably the left), Almiron needs a chance to prove he can still play a part in this Newcastle team. Otherwise, it feels like his time in the North East could be winding down.