Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier are building up quite the partnership down Newcastle United’s right flank.
The latter is the Magpies’ first choice right-back, and has been ever since his £12million move to St James’ Park in January. But for the former, his journey into the Toon starting XI has been less straightforward.
It has taken a while for Almiron to become a regular under Eddie Howe. The Paraguayan was a consistent presence on the bench during the opening months of Howe’s tenure on Tyneside.
However, injury to Ryan Fraser handed the 28-year-old an opportunity and he hasn’t looked back.
Almiron is now enjoying a prolonged run in the team and is playing brilliantly. He has started every Premier League game so far and has scored four goals. He has already equalled his best ever league tally in England.
His performances have been brilliant, and he is building up a great understanding with Trippier. And the England international apparently loves having Almiron in front of him.
Why Trippier loves playing with Almiron
On the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh discussed Almiron’s form and shared some inside information on how he is perceived by his 32-year-old teammate.
“Kieran Trippier really likes playing with Miguel Almiron,” Waugh said.
“I was speaking to people inside the club and they were saying if he could pick anyone to play on the righthand side in front of him it’s Almiron because of what he does off the ball.”
Almiron is a dream teammate
It’s no surprise to hear that Trippier loves having Almiron in front of him. They are getting better and better as a duo, and Newcastle are the benefactors.
Both players are contributing in the final third, while they also play a part at the other end. And that is seemingly why Trippier likes to play with the former Atlanta United star.
Miggy is an infectious and keen runner who is willing to sacrifice himself out of possession. His hard work makes Trippier’s job a lot easier, as they can double up on opponents and more often than not get the better of them.
It’s a contrast to the other side of the pitch that is occupied by Allan Saint-Maximin. He isn’t known for his defensive capabilities, making the left-back’s job a lot harder whether it’s Matt Targett or Dan Burn.
But those combinations give Newcastle good balance over the pitch, and our righthand side has suddenly become a lot more dangerous this season. That is down to the work being put in on the training ground.
Trippier and Almiron are playing well together, and long may it continue.
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