Almiron Backed To Hit The Goals Trail

Miguel Almiron has been backed to hit the goal trail for Newcastle United once he finally breaks his duck at St James’ Park. Former Magpies’ boss Rafael Benitez broke the club’s transfer record in January to sign the Paraguay international in a £21million deal from American Major League Soccer outfit Atlanta United.

Almiron scored 22 goals and registered 21 assists in 70 appearances for Atlanta, helping them win the 2018 MLS Cup before departing for England. But nine months into his spell on Tyneside and the midfielder is still searching for his first goal in black-and-white stripes.

The 25-year-old’s contribution to Newcastle’s attacking play has been praised by both Benitez and current boss Steve Bruce. But his failure to score remains the elephant in the room.

Bruce has opted to play Almiron in a more central midfield position as opposed to the Number 10 role he enjoyed with Atalanta which will have hampered his hopes of registering a goal.

However, his former club’s president Darren Eales is adamant that Almiron will find the net regularly in England once he ends his drought.

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Eales revealed that ‘Migie’ went eight games without a goal after he joined Atlanta and “opened the floodgates” with a hat-trick against Houston.

He added: “His pace with the ball is incredible. I always likened it to Gareth Bale from my time at Spurs – he always seems quicker when he has got the ball than without the ball. It is about confidence. “I just hope he can get that first goal and then they will come in waves.”

Almiron’s next chance to open his Magpies’ account will come in a tricky trip to face Chelsea in the Premier League after the current two-week international break on October 19. Newcastle’s 1-0 win against Manchester United last Sunday hauled them out of the relegation places and they will look to build on that result at Stamford Bridge.