What Newcastle’s backroom staff believe is the real reason for Miguel Almiron’s drop in form

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After what was such an impressive campaign for Miguel Almiron last year, his performances for Newcastle United have taken a downward turn this season.

The fans aren’t the only ones to have noticed with Newcastle’s backroom staff now analysing why the Paraguayan’s form is not what it used to be.

A new report from The Athletic has claimed that the staff believe Almiron’s form is now suffering because of a lack of competition in his position, meaning he’s grown too comfortable knowing he will start every game.

Almiron has frustrated Newcastle fans

Last season, the 29-year-old was a revelation. After a very rocky start to life at Newcastle, Almiron was finally hitting a good run of form and actually finished as Newcastle’s second-top scorer in the Premier League.

Although he was outperforming his xG of 8.0, people were happy with how he was playing because his end product had vastly improved and the goals and assists were finally starting to come.

However, this season feels like it’s been one huge step backwards and with every game he continues to avoid using his right foot the Newcastle supporters grow more and more frustrated.

The shoulder injury to Jacob Murphy means Almiron has been Eddie Howe’s only option down the right so there’s been no danger of him losing his place in the squad, which could definitely be a huge contributing factor to the loss of form.

Newcastle could still sell key man

There’s been rumours that a move to the Saudi Pro League could be possible for Almiron who Newcastle may look to cash in on in order to complete a new signing in January.

Out of the three who have been linked, Almiron, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson, the interest in the Paraguayan international now looks the strongest, but Newcastle are demanding £30m to take him away.

Howe won’t want to lose him, not only because of his high intensity style of play which suits Newcastle’s system perfectly, but also because of his infectious personality which is so important within this group of players.

It would also leave the team very thin in that right-wing position, so whatever business they do in January would likely have to address that issue first and foremost.