Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has backed Miguel Almiron to hit the goal trail this season.
Bruce has praised Almiron for his work-rate and says that he just needs one goal to get him going, and that he is confident it will happen.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Bruce said this:
(The) first time I saw him I thought, ‘Wow, what a good player he is.’ He’s a good player, the kid.
I think he needs a bit like when Joelinton scored. I think he feels he’s had a few chances. Last week, he had two great opportunities but didn’t take them but what he contributes to the team – you cannot but admire the way he plays.
However, I think he is aware and everyone else is aware that he’s got to score a goal. He’s in an important position for us so I think it will come. I really do.
READ NEWCASTLE VERDICT
In nine months at the club so far, Almiron has failed to register a single goal or assist for Newcastle in all competitions.
The only goal contribution for club or country in 2019 for Almiron came earlier this week as he scored for Paraguay in a draw with Jordania at international level – his first for his country.
So far this season, Almiron has averaged 1.3 shots per-game, after 1.9 per-game in his first six months at the club, which means that he has taken 26 shots in the Premier League without scoring.
On the evidence of his Premier League career so far, Almiron simply does not appear to have the quality to score goals on a consistent basis at this level.
He scored 13 goals in the MLS in his final season with Atlanta, but it is fair to say that the Premier League is a massive step up – and one that he is yet to fully make.
