Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron is very left-footed. His right is only used for balance.
The Paraguayan put that left foot to good use against Crystal Palace, expertly finding the top corner from a tight angle. It was a wonderful goal, and ended a drought of more than a year.
Miggy did brilliant to get in behind the Palace defence and score, and it’s a chance he probably wouldn’t have been able to convert had he been on the other flank.
Playing on the right-wing is something Almiron has had to get used to, having first been deployed there by Steve Bruce.
Every time it looked like a mistake, with the 28-year-old clearly not suited to playing on the opposite side to his strongest foot. Right midfield was an alien position before he arrived at St James’ Park. Even under Rafa Benitez, he was used on the left.
Bruce looked to be making a big error playing Almiron out of position, and it’s an error Eddie Howe is persisting with. But he’s getting more out of the speedster as of late.
Norwich substitution proves Eddie Howe wants Miguel Almiron on the right
Almiron didn’t start against Norwich, but did come on in the second half. He replaced two-goal hero Joelinton in the 67th minute.
The Brazilian had been playing on the left, meaning it looked like it would be a straight swap with Almiron. However, that’s not what happened.
Instead, Almiron trotted over to the right wing and Howe brought Jacob Murphy over to the left. That reinforces the manager’s desire not to play Miggy on his natural side. Things changed again later in the half when Matt Ritchie came on and went to the right flank.
It’s a bold call from Howe, considering how much Almiron has struggled on the right wing since 2019. However, he has shown signs of life in recent weeks which could spark new life into his Toon career.
But if Almiron is to remain on Tyneside, he has to keep impressing on the right. Howe’s stance seems clear – he has no intention of playing him on the left.
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