Miguel Almiron has had a really good few months: an MLS Cup title with Atlanta, a well-earned move to Newcastle and now his first start for the Toon. What was even more special is that Almiron’s first start at St. James’ Park and for Newcastle was a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
It’s no secret Newcastle has struggled for creativity since its return to the Premier League, certainly frustrating to Rafa Benitez, who has threatened to leave the club unless it splashed the cash in the transfer market. Luckily for Newcastle, Miggy is clearly a good enough player to create things in the middle of the park.
Miguel Almiron bossed it for Newcastle today. It's almost as if spending money on good players might actually make the team do better. pic.twitter.com/rmOfLDsuRk
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 23, 2019
Newcastle played Huddersfield at St. James’ Park, and it was the perfect opportunity for Almiron to make his mark. In the first half, Almiron had a golden opportunity to get his first Newcastle goal. With an audacious chip over Jonas Lossl, the ball looked like it was destined for a date with the net.
Unfortunately, it hit the far post, one of four times the Magpies hit the woodwork on Saturday.
Miguel Almirón was SO close to his first Newcastle goal! pic.twitter.com/KpFgoG2B7L
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 23, 2019
After a red card for Huddersfield, Miggy had a lot more license to do what he wanted.
Contributing to chance after chance, he was all over the pitch. At times he was out wide or playing through the middle. He played a total of 80 minutes and left the pitch to a thunderous applause from the fans.
The whole stadium stands up & applauds Miguel Almíron. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/nBY3OBW6aG
— Newcastle Fans TV (@NewcastleFansTV) February 23, 2019
No doubt Benitez and Almiron will be happy with the Paraguayan’s performance. Although it was against Huddersfield, he has quickly been able to push Kenedy out of the starting lineup.
Oh, and here’s a photo of him giving birth to himself. Go on, Miggy!
It's been that kind of first half for Miguel Almiron...#NEWHUD pic.twitter.com/2PLOCYQuZ2
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 23, 2019