Miguel Almiron arrived at Newcastle as potentially our record signing at the time, with his initial fee plus add-ons usurping the fee paid for Michael Owen in 2005.
He came with a reputation of being pacy, tricky and a goalscorer. Well, two of those three attributes have been borne out at Newcastle, with the Paraguayan showing whippet-like speed, and being a handful for opposing defences.
But his scoring touch has deserted him, with the player not able to buy himself a goal right now, which has seen him get criticised from some areas of the footballing world.
But Newcastle fans should keep the faith with Almiron, as he has too much ability to not succeed on Tyneside.
How different it could have been but for the width of the post
When Almiron made his home debut against Huddersfield Town last season, he was scintilating, and had fans off their seats.
Few supporters who watched him excel that day would think we would be into September, and yet to see a goal from the Paraguayan speedster.
But had the width of the post not prevented him from scoring his maiden goal for the Magpies that day, this article would probably never have been written.
His great run, and chip over an advancing keeper looked destined for the Gallowgate net, but rebounded agonisingly off the foot of the post, and back into play.
Had that gone in, Almiron would surely have gone on to score a few more.
When he gets one, he could go on a spree
It may just take one goal to release Almiron from his shackles, and give his confidence an upsurge.
It does not matter how it arrives, whether it is from a deflection, a tap-in, a penalty, a thundering strike from 25 yards, it is irrelevant.
He just needs to get the elephant off his back, and once he does, he could well go on to score in a number of consecutive games.
He needs to continue to believe in himself, and believe it will happen – and it surely will soon.
His game is about more than just goals
What Almiron brings to Newcastle is much bigger than just scoring goals.
I still do not see him as an out-and-out striker, and would always rather see him given a free role behind a strike pair, or to come in from wide positions.
He creates plenty of opportunities, and his electrifying pace can take Newcastle from the back foot, to the front one in seconds.
As long as he does not let his lack of scoring affect his overall game, he will continue to excite fans when he is on the ball.
As long as he can create chances for Joelinton, he will remain a vital component of the team, and will always be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
