Paraguayan-American journalist Roberto Rojas believes that Newcastle United can get the best out of Miguel Almiron by using him as a number 10 next season.
Since joining the Magpies in January, the 25-year-old has been used on the left hand side. However, having watched the player star as a number 10 for Paraguay against Argentina on Wednesday, Rojas feels a positional switch in 2019/20 could unlock his full potential.
“More than anything, last night was a fine example of Almiron playing in his preferred position as an attacking midfielder behind the striker or as a winger where he’s at his most deadly,” he told The Chronicle’s news and transfer centre [20/06; 13:43]. “While he was still impressive as a wide midfielder at Newcastle, he’s even better up front.
“[I’m] Honestly excited to see his full potential at Newcastle next season, it’s also clear the level of improvement he’s gotten while playing in England. While he still is getting fouled a lot, he still has the strength to go back on his feet to play on. A tremendous talent.”
OPINION
There’s no doubt that Almiron was hugely successful with Newcastle on the left hand side of a front three, of sorts, along with Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon. ‘The Three Amigos’ appeared to have an instant connection and clearly enjoyed playing alongside each other. However, perhaps the Magpies should consider switching Almiron to a number 10 role just behind the striker. He certainly has the guile, creativity and the eye for goal to be successful in that position and, as we saw for Paraguay on Wednesday, it wouldn’t preclude him from floating out to the left hand side to make something happen from there. He’s obviously going to have benefitted from half a season in the Premier League and should return from the Copa America a much better player than the one who left. The signs we have seen from him at the tournament suggest that he is ready to make a huge impact at St James’ Park upon his return.
