Allan Saint-Maximin offers alternative view on Miguel Almiron’s incredible form

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Miguel Almiron is in the form of his life right now, but Allan Saint-Maximin believes his Newcastle teammate has ‘always been a great player’.

The Paraguayan is Newcastle’s top scorer this season, finding the net eight times. It is his best ever tally in a Toon shirt, as he continues to put Jack Grealish in his place for his comments earlier this year.

But the Manchester City player has apologised now, so we’re over it…

It has been a real joy to watch Almiron this season. He is back to playing with a smile on his face, and is the latest player to enjoy a remarkable renaissance under Eddie Howe’s guidance.

The 28-year-old’s form has propelled us into third in the Premier League, and also lessened the need for a new winger to arrive in the transfer market.

Everyone is delighted for Miggy – and that includes his teammate from the opposite flank.

Saint-Maximin on Almiron’s form

Saint-Maximin has been speaking to the Chronicle during the club’s trip to Saudi Arabia, and was asked about how the club’s previous struggles hindered flair players like himself.

“Yeah it was very difficult. We have seen this before,” Saint-Maximin said.

“Miggy is a great example of this. He has always been a great player, he is an incredible guy but a great player. When you play and touch the ball less and the team doesn’t play well, it’s much more difficult to shine. It is more difficult to show your quality.

“You see people saying Miggy is a new player. It’s not a new player, he has always been a great player. To see him in this situation gives me even more.

“I want to be on the pitch with him, to help him, make assists and have the best season possible for him. He deserves that. It’s the type of mentality every player should have. I am sure every player will help us to be where we need to be.”

‘Great example’ Almiron can inspire ASM in 2023

Saint-Maximin’s view on Almiron’s form is quite heartwarming to read. It is an alternative take on his upturn in fortunes, but he is probably right. Miggy hasn’t just become a good player overnight – he always had this in him.

However, the £21million man was stifled by the tactics of the previous manager, and lost that spark that made him special when he first arrived.

During Steve Bruce’s reign, Newcastle didn’t always see a lot of the ball. It made it difficult for the Magpies’ creative players like ASM and Almiron.

It wasn’t quite as bad for Saint-Maximin. With his obscene dribbling ability, he was able to make something out of the limited chances that came his way. But Almiron is not that sort of player.

But now Newcastle play in a way that accommodates creativity and flair, allowing Almiron to thrive in black and white. Saint-Maximin is delighted for his teammate, and wants to help him to continue his spectacular form.

The main ambition for the Frenchman should be to reach that level himself. There is no doubt that he has it in him. Hopefully he can find some consistency in 2023, and become the next player to be transformed by Howe’s management.