Alan Shearer has hailed the impact of Newcastle United signing Miguel Almiron and claimed he can be the “new hero” of supporters.
The 24-year-old has been in impressive form since completing a move from Atlanta United on deadline day, and Shearer has been quick to sing his praises, although the Toon legend has qualified his comments with something of a reality check.
Speaking on BT Sport, as quoted by the Chronicle (9.13), he said: “Almiron will give them something different – his pace and his trickery.
“It will be tough at times coming from the MLS into the Premier League, totally different – it’s far more physical. He’s not exactly a big lad but hopefully it’s going to be a very good signing.
“There might be a little bit of pressure but he should enjoy that pressure because they’ve been crying out for someone to cheer, and someone to be their new hero.”
OPINION
Shearer is right to try and keep things grounded with regards to Almiron, but it’s hard not to get excited about the Paraguayan. To be fair to the Match of the Day pundit, he is quick to emphasise the parts of Almiron’s game that have already drawn him plaudits, but by also choosing to focus on some of his potential flaws, the Toon legend is giving a more holistic evaluation that is probably more in line with what fans should actually expect from Almiron. He has the potential to be very, very good, and has already shown flashes of the brilliance that Newcastle supporters will hope come to define his game, but there have also been times when he has looked a little lightweight, and that could be a concern. The 24-year-old is slight, there’s no doubt about that, but the hope will be that his agility and cunning are enough to pull him through to physical rigours of a Premier League campaign. Certainly, the early signs are promising.