OPINION
Newcastle is buzzing for the unveiling of Miguel Almiron. It’s not just the football club, or those who make the pilgrimage to St. James’ Park week after week, but the whole city that is eager to see the nippy Paraguayan in action.
The 24-year-old is in training with his new teammates now, as the Chronicle posted on their Twitter account on Wednesday evening, and the expectation is that he could make is bow in black and white against Wolves on Monday night.
Miguel Almiron trains with his Newcastle United team-mates for the first time #nufc https://t.co/XkhXyqfWtF
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) February 6, 2019
The Magpies need to be patient with their new star signing if they are to get the best out of him, however.
Almiron has not played a competitive match since December 9th, when he helped Atlanta United to an MLS Cup win, and while the temptation will be to chuck him in at the deep end against Wolves, the reality may be that a cameo appearance could be a better start to life in England.
It may not get pulses racing in the same way that a full debut would, but it would give the Paraguayan, who is bound to be rusty as it is, a taster of the intensity and quality of his new surroundings.
The worst thing that could possibly happen to the player would be for him to come in and flounder, and with the pressure of a £20 million price tag hanging over his head, a poor start could be used as a stick to beat him with.
If he is given a gradual acclimatisation, however, and can hit the ground running thereafter, Newcastle could have an instant impact player on their hands.
