OPINION
Newcastle United fans have enjoyed what they have seen of attacking maestro Miguel Almiron since his high profile switch to St James’ Park, and you can be sure Rafael Benitez is also pretty happy with what his new man has contributed to the cause.
Anyone who has watched Newcastle on a regular basis this season will know what sort of difference the Magpies’ Paraguayan ace has made to the forward line on Tyneside, with his performances bringing the very best out of attacking partners Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon.
His lightning fast pace, impressive ball control and never-say-die attitude whether attacking or defending has brought new life into the side at St James’ Park and given the Toon Army a new name to chant week in, week out.
However, his performances do not seem to have impressed everyone, with his lack of goals and assists seemingly the focus of many of the attackers boo boys.
The Mirror journalist James Nursey claims that the Newcastle star has not lived up to his potential, fading away after a bright start and suggesting his performances are made up of “plenty of running and effort, some skill yet little end product.”
Meanwhile former Newcastle star John Gibson has echoed the journalist’s sentiments in his column for the Chronicle, suggesting that he “is in dire need of his first goal after eight appearances plus another as sub.”
Yes, he might not have the numbers that the likes of Perez and Rondon do but that is not the be all and end all for a footballer.
The impact he has made has been tremendous and you can be sure Benitez is not too worried about what he has seen – in fact the Spaniard is likely to be overjoyed.
The mounting criticism on Almiron’s back is not warranted and comes from ignorance of what he has done to transform the Magpies – there is no pressure on him at St James’ Park.
