Paul Merson was left drooling over Miguel Almiron after the Paraguay international dazzled on his full debut for Newcastle United in their 2-0 win against Huddersfield.
Almiron, 25, became the Magpies’ record signing in January after joining from Atlanta United, and he has wasted no time in getting used to Premier League football with a top-class display at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Rafa Benitez substituted the attacker off in the second-half and after seeing him receive a huge reception by the Toon Army, Merson said that he was thrilled with his performance.
“Almiron’s just gone off to a standing ovation,” said Merson on Sky Sports News on Saturday [Gillette Soccer Saturday, 04:38pm]. “There ain’t been one of them for a while at Newcastle.
“Everybody up off their feet.
“He was absolutely outstanding.”
OPINION
Almiron really impressed in Newcastle’s win against Huddersfield. It seemed as though everything good that happened for the Magpies went through him, and he was unlucky not to score himself in the first-half when he hit the post. Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez eventually got the goals that secured all three points for Benitez, but Almiron surely deserved to be on the scoresheet himself with a man of the match-worthy display. Newcastle have been waiting for quite some time to get a player who can really threaten defences like Almiron can. It is important to remember that Huddersfield are bottom of the table and the Paraguayan will come up against tougher opponents before the end of the season. However the first signs are promising, especially when some pundits questioned whether he would be able to make the switch from playing in MLS to the Premier League. We cannot wait to see more of Almiron in black and white stripes.