Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie feels that Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will have been ‘pleasantly surprised’ by Miguel Almiron’s red-hot form.
The 28-year-old has looked a different player since Howe arrived at the club a little over a year ago, with the Paraguayan enjoying a particularly fine start to this campaign.
He has already scored eight Premier League goals and sits top of the scoring charts on Tyneside, with the Toon flying high in third at the mid-season break.
Almiron scooped the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October as a result of his stellar form, and according to The Telegraph, it was claimed he was set to be rewarded with a new contract.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie said: “I think Eddie Howe will have been pleasantly surprised as to how he’s done. He’s played his way in. He’s now one of the first names on the teamsheet.”
TIF Thoughts on Almiron and Newcastle…
How many goals will Miguel Almiron score this season?
Less than 10
10-15
20+
More than Haaland!
The former Atlanta United ace has been one of Howe’s most-used players since the English coach was appointed last November, while only Callum Wilson (10) has scored more goals than the Paraguayan (9) in that time.
The £74k-per-week livewire was certainly lacking the end product that his energy and endeavour merited before that change in the dugout.
He had only managed to score 15 times in his first 131 appearances before his scintillating spell of seven league goals in as many matches starting back in October.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who only found himself on the scoresheet once in the league last season which would have certainly taken more than Howe aback.