Atlanta United chief Darren Eales has been raving over Newcastle United’s new signing Miguel Almiron as he compared the Paraguayan to world superstar Gareth Bale.
The MLS side sold the 25-year-old attacking midfielder to the Magpies for what is reportedly a fee of up to £21million, making him not only the most expensive signing from the USA division but also Newcastle’s record arrival at St James’ Park.
Delivering his verdict on what Newcastle fans can expect from Almiron, Eales was left head over heels with what he saw during his time in America and drew comparison to Gareth Bale, who tore the Premier League up with 21 goals over 33 appearances in his final season in England.
He told the Mirror: “He’s an unbelievable person as a character. He smiles all the time. From that perspective of engaging with the fans he was an instant fan favourite because of his demeanour.
“In terms of his playing on the pitch, he is non-stop, perpetual motion. He is faster with the ball than without it. He reminds me very much of Gareth Bale that way. When Gareth picked the ball up, he always seemed to be quicker when he had the ball and Miggy is like that with his pace.
“But the big thing for him and why I think he is really suited for the Premier League is, yes he is a brilliantly exciting attacking player, particularly in transition but he works really hard in defending. For us as a club, to have our star player be the first person tackling back, and run 60 yards back to nick it out of touch, was great.”
Opinion
Newcastle fans dreaming of Almiron making the same impact as Gareth Bale would if he made an unlikely move to Tyneside need to get their head out the clouds, regardless of what Eales might have said. After all, you need only stretch your mind back to a couple of years before the Welsh superstar left England to remember how he was actually considered an unlucky charm with Tottenham. Still, there is plenty of anticipation over what Almiron can bring to a lacklustre Newcastle attack and it could quite well be the case that he transforms their cutting edge all by himself. He really is like nothing else the Magpies have at their disposal right now and so it is easy to see why Rafael Benitez brought him in to St James’ Park. Now the Toon Army just have to sit and wait to see the rewards his signing will bring.