Martin Keown has heaped praise on Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron, calling the 24-year-old a “breath of fresh air”.
The Paraguayan made his full debut in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town, impressing huge with an energetic display.
Speaking on BT Sport’s coverage of the Magpies meeting with Burnley, Keown said: “Of course it’s too early to judge, but he’s been a breath of fresh air.
“The local people here are saying that he’s been outstanding. I think Asprilla was the last player that maybe impacted as much as he did. He runs with the ball, he’s quick.
“The imagination that he has, the ability, he’s gone from strength to strength, causing real mayhem for opposition defences.”
OPINION
Almiron already looks like the answer to all of Newcastle United’s prayers. The Paraguayan is quick, imaginative, brave, and obviously very, very gifted. The injection of creativity that he brought to the Magpies’ attack against Huddersfield was such a revelation that he is already firmly on his way to becoming a fan favourite. A few more performances like the one he put in on Saturday will get the Toon Army rocking in a way that they haven’t in years, and will also hopefully serve as a reminder to Mike Ashley as to what his side can do when he bothers investing in them. The only concern from a Newcastle perspective will be what they will do if Almiron does go on to set the league alight like he promises to and a bigger club come sniffing around him in the summer or next January. For now, however, that kind of negativity should be put to one side while the Geordies bask in the glow of their new hero.
