He didn’t start, but Miguel Almiron produced his best Newcastle United performance in a long time against Wolves.
The 28-year-old has barely featured since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce, starting just five times. His limited involvement has led to speculation that he could leave the club this summer.
However, an injury to Ryan Fraser last night handed the Paraguayan an opportunity. And he certainly took it.
Almiron replaced Fraser in the 13th minute, getting the nod ahead of Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie. This decision came as a surprise, considering how involved Murphy has been over the past month or so.
But the £21million man certainly justified Howe’s decision to bring him on.
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Miguel Almiron finally looked threatening again for Newcastle
Almiron has struggled to make an impact since Howe’s arrival. He’s rarely been picked to start, and when he has played he hasn’t delivered.
But things were different against Wolves. The former Atlanta United ace looked dangerous on the break, using his pace to great effect. He nearly gave Newcastle the lead in the first half, but blazed his effort over the bar after cleverly getting in behind the Wolves defence.
His best moment in the match almost gave Newcastle lead, as an impressive flick in the box allowed Bruno Guimaraes to put in a cross that was eventually bundled home by Chris Wood. Sadly, however, Bruno was offside in the buildup.
But Almiron linked up brilliantly with Bruno all night, who was the real star of the show against Wolves.
The plaudits will go to Bruno, while others will hail Wood for his first St James’ Park goal. But Almiron deserves credit for his performance, and it could be the start of a fruitful run in the starting XI depending on the severity of Fraser’s injury.