‘We’ll work’… Eddie Howe shares plans to improve ‘absolutely incredible’ Newcastle star’s form

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United will need Eddie Howe at his coaching best this season.

Indeed, with Newcastle having struggled to significantly strengthen their squad this summer, Howe will have to work his magic on the coaching pitch.

The club’s summer signings may prove to be huge successes, but Lloyd Kelly is perhaps the only one who improves the first-team options right away.

With that in mind, a lot of the onus this season will have to come from Howe’s work on the training ground.

While big money signings have no doubt helped his cause at St James’ Park, Howe has constantly been praised for improving the likes of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron since replacing Steve Bruce in 2021.

Having endured a frustrating transfer window thus far, a period in which Newcastle have not signed the right-winger they are reportedly chasing, Almiron in particular will need to improve.

At times last season, he proved so frustrating that a member of the Newcastle coaching staff was said to have punched the dugout watching him.

Linked with moves away this summer but now seemingly set to stay on Tyneside, there is little doubt he will have to raise his level, especially if no new signing comes in.

Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League opener at home to Southampton on Saturday, Howe shared his plans for Almiron.

Eddie Howe will try to improve Miguel Almiron this season

Almiron scored three goals and registered one assist in 23 League starts last season and Howe is hopeful working on the training pitch will help the Paraguay international get back to his best, having scored 11 goals during the 2022-23 campaign.

“We’ll work with Miggy to get his game to the level it was two years ago when he was absolutely incredible for us,” he said (via The Chronicle).

“His commitment, attitude and professionalism is second to none. He is a truly brilliant person and a great professional. He’s an important player for us and we don’t underestimate his quality in any way.”

Miguel Almiron may not be a regular starter this season

Even if no signing arrives on the wing, Almiron may struggle for a regular starting berth.

Jacob Murphy scored four goals during pre-season, offering Howe a reminder of his quality.

While a new signing would be a boost, Murphy does at least look in good form and the favourite to win the battle for a start.