Newcastle have rediscovered their form in recent games, seeing off Burnley at the weekend in a comfortable 2-0 victory, and one player particularly stood out.
Miguel Almiron had a quiet start to the season, failing to score or assist in his first five appearances, but has now scored twice in his last two league games.
His goal against Burnley saw him thunder a shot into the top corner, sending St James’ Park into raptures, and he has now earned praise from pundit Garth Crooks, who has included him in the BBC Premier League Team of the Week.
Almiron praised by Crooks
Crooks selected the 29-year-old as one of the forwards in his selected team of standout performers in the gameweek, and claimed that any doubts he had about Almiron’s form had vanished in the blink of an eye.
“I can’t watch Almiron score a goal like the one he got against Burnley and not put him in my team,” he claimed.
“We’ve seen him do this before, but just when I was beginning to think the Paraguay international was starting to run out of the spectacular he comes up with the most glorious finish.”
Newcastle need Almiron at his best
The Paraguayan had a mixed campaign last season. Whilst he did score 11 goals, and went on a remarkable run of eight goals in 10 league games, he finished the season goalless in his final nine games.
This continued at the start of this season, but his stunning effort against Burnley may hopefully give him a confidence boost.
With Harvey Barnes picking up a long-term injury, Newcastle may find themselves slightly short of attacking options, and having Almiron in good form would go a long way to alleviating the pressure on the front line to provide goals.
Anthony Gordon is also suspended for this weekend, and the onus will fall to Almiron to provide a creative spark and his best finishing ability in front of goal to help Eddie Howe’s side in this tough run of fixtures.
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