Miguel Almiron: View from MLS on Newcastle United’s new record signing – his energy and attitude set him apart

Miguel Almiron: View from MLS on Newcastle United’s new record signing – his energy and attitude set him apart
It has taken 14 years but Newcastle United finally broke their transfer record in January, signing Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United in a deal worth around 20million.The Toon Army are delighted that Mike Ashley has opened his chequebook and brought in one of Rafa Benitezs top targets but many who are unfamiliar with the Paraguayan’s talents will be wondering whether he will prove to be worth the sizeable investment.

We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Miguel Almirn from @ATLUTD. The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at St. James' Park until June 2024.Full story: https://t.co/5NxxCEHhNx #NUFC pic.twitter.com/a5MV5QBTum— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2019

Atlanta fans were likely wondering just the same when Almiron arrived in Major League Soccer in December 2016 for a reported league transfer record fee of $8 million.But from the moment Miggy – as he is affably known to Atlanta fans – stepped onto the pitch, it was apparent that the playmaker was going to more than satisfy the amount that was paid to secure his services.What stands out right away is his pace. A swift carrier of the ball, with a lovely left foot, hes the type of player that actually becomes quicker when dribbling, and is very positive in the path he takes.2

Miguel Almiron was a major hit in MLS after joining Atlanta United in 2016

Not known for being one to settle into possession and stroke the ball about, once Almiron is on the ball he is looking to get forward with great urgency. Hes frightening to the opposition on the counter attack. His energy and attitude also set him apart. He will put in the work regardless of the occasion.In MLS, there were unpleasant games such as in the baltic cold and snow-filled pitch away to Minnesota United and Almiron would be chasing players, closing them down all over the pitch, just as would in the more glamorous games at Mercedes Benz Stadium in front of a sold-out 70,000 crowd. There was never too big or small an occasion that Almiron didnt put his best left foot forward. He is desperate to do well in every moment and will put the grind in wherever he plays in England.2

Miguel Almiron in action for Atlanta United in Minnesota

Finally, he can be ruthless in the final third. In 62 regular season matches for Atlanta United, he scored 21 goals and created 28 more.The numbers may not knock the socks off, but its about how he opens up space for others around him. There isnt a better example than Atlanta Uniteds striker Josef Martinez, the Golden Boot and MVP winner of MLS last season. Martinezs fine record was largely down to the service provided by his chief support act, Almiron.

Miguel Almirn is off to @NUFC.A look at what the Magpies can expect. pic.twitter.com/sdPxaAXT3z— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 31, 2019

Are there are any question marks? Well, it will be a challenge for him to adapt to the physical side of the British game. While sadly a hearty tackle in all of football seems to be of times past, the difference to what referees allow in MLS compared to the Premier League is that of a pillow fight when compared to a street fight. It will be interesting to see how Almiron handles a heavy challenge, and having less time to work his magic on the ball.He does cut a very slim frame, but maybe his pace will translate enough to skip away from bodies. He will also have to handle the pressure of the Premier League and, potentially, a relegation battle.It is one thing playing on a side that is arguably one of the most exciting MLS teams in the history of the league, in a culture that is always eager to offer as much praise as possible. Its another thing being in the pressure cooker that is the Premier League, where players are fighting for their place and reputation every day. Almiron has yet to be seen as a player that would shrink back, but at the same time, he is yet to be placed under such heavy expectations. The bottom line is this transfer could prove to be a very astute one for both Rafa Benitez and Darren Eales, the Atlanta United president.For Benitez, hes put his trust in his contacts such as Tata Martino, the recently-departed Atlanta United manager, and has demonstrated his faith in Almiron by convincing the club to shell out a record fee for the first time since Michael Owen was tempted to swap the Bernabeu for St James Park in 2005.And for Eales, his faith in Almirons worth has been rewarded, after reportedly turning down lesser offers during this past season.Time will tell whether he proves a good signing for Newcastle. Im certainly backing Miggy to make his mark in England.

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