Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron was in action for Paraguay against Venezuela in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Miguel Almiron was one of 12 Newcastle United players called up for international duty over the October break.
The 30-year-old has struggled for game time at Newcastle this season and has played only 30 minutes in the Premier League.
His only two starts this season have come in the Carabao Cup clashes against Nottingham Forest and AFC Wimbledon.
Therefore, the week away with the Paraguay squad was a golden opportunity for Almiron to build up fitness and match rhythm, and he started in back-to-back games against Ecuador and Venezuela.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe gives his honest verdict on how Miguel Almiron played for Newcastle against Wimbledon
Paraguayan media react to Miguel Almiron vs Venezuela
After a goalless draw with Ecuador earlier this week, Paraguay returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Venezuela in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday morning.
Almiron started on the right wing and played 80 minutes before being replaced by Fabian Balbuena.
Antonio Sanabria scored twice for Paraguay to complete a second-half comeback after Jon Aramburu’s opener after 25 minutes.
Almiron ended the match with 54 touches, a passing accuracy of 90 percent and two key passes in what was an impressive display from the Newcastle winger.
Paraguayan media were quick to give their verdict, and they piled praise on Almiron’s performance.
Paraguayan outlet Versus did not name Almiron as the “hero of the night”, but they did praise his moment of “magic”.
They wrote: “In the 59th minute, Paraguay made an attacking move and Miguel Almiron brought it down in a fantastic way and with a bit of magic, a backheel pass, he extended the play to Junior Alonso, who ended up assisting Antonio Sanabria in a great way.”
ABC praised Paraguay’s “mental strength” on the night, and singled out Almiron and Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso.
Miguel Almiron is fighting for his Newcastle future
It was an open secret that Newcastle wanted to sign a right-sided winger in the summer after a deadline day bid for Anthony Elanga.
Had a new winger arrived, they would be the long-term replacement for Almiron, who came close to leaving Newcastle this summer.
READ MORE: Paraguay manager takes bold stance on Miguel Almiron amid Newcastle United struggles
Almiron is now one of six Newcastle players up for sale in January and it would take an almighty turnaround in his form to make Eddie Howe reconsider.
A strong performance for Paraguay is a good start, but Almiron will have to start impressing at St James’ Park if he plans on staying at the club beyond January.
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