Newcastle United favourite Nobby Solano has heaped praise on new Magpies signing Miguel Almiron, comparing the playmaker to fellow South American Angel Di Maria.
The 97-cap Argentine superstar, who won a Champions League with Real Madrid but struggled during his time in England with Manchester United, is known for his flair and versatility.
The Paraguayan international could be in line to make his first appearance in black and white against Wolves on Monday night, but Solano also warned that it could be a little while before he realises his full potential.
Speaking to the Mirror, he said: “The Newcastle fans will love him. He’s very skilful, but it will take him some time to settle in.
“It’s up to Rafa Benitez where he will use Almiron, but, for me, he’s a similar kind of player to Angel Di Maria.
“For Paraguay, he plays as a winger. If Newcastle play a 4-3-3, then he will be a Willian or an Eden Hazard out wide. He’s very lively, he’ll take people on and the Newcastle fans always love the South American players who can do that.”
OPINION
Solano’s comparison will get pulses racing on Tyneside. Almiron is clearly very highly thought of throughout the South American game, and that can only be a positive for his new side. The general consensus is that he will be a huge success on Tyneside, but now the question everybody seems to be asking is how quickly he will settle at St. James’ Park. Certainly his enthusiasm for the move and willingness to get up to speed with his new teammates is a good sign, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that Di Maria, for all of his reputation and promise, suffered massively at Manchester United when he made a move to the Premier League. Hopefully Almiron only replicates the positive aspects of the Argentine’s career for the Toon Army.