Miguel Almiron could be dropped for Newcastle United’s clash with Chelsea on Saturday, according to Noel Whelan.
The 25-year-old has still yet to score or assist a goal for the Magpies, and BBC Radio Leeds pundit Whelan believes that he could be sacrificed for a more defensive option to try and contain Frank Lampard’s Blues.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Maybe he’s the player you’re looking at and you’re thinking you need someone more defensive-minded rather than someone who adds to the attacking side of the game.
“We haven’t seen the best of him either, he got sent off for his country when he was away so maybe Steve Bruce will be thinking of bolstering his midfield/wing area with someone who is more industrious as I think you’re going to need that against Chelsea.”
OPINION
Almiron has struggled to hit the heights that he was expected to in a black and white shirt. A record signing when he joined the Magpies, he has found himself off the pace and incapable of influencing matches effectively, despite looking bright in flashes. So far this season, for instance, he has averaged just 0.5 key passes per game, as per Whoscored, as well as 1.4 shots on goal and one successful dribble. In short, he is lacking in end product, and shows no sign of his breaking his duck anytime soon. As such, it is understandable that he has a measly Whoscored rating of 6.23 for the season. There is still a chance that he could come good for the Toon Army, but at the moment he is offering very little, and maybe a spell out of the side wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
