A number of Newcastle United supporters have been debating Miguel Almiron’s form at the start of the season following comments from pundit Chris Kirkland over his struggles to adapt to the Premier League.
The Paraguay international has endured a mixed start to the season, having found himself out of the starting line-up at times with Steve Bruce opting for a more conservative approach. He has made just four starts in the Magpies’ first eight Premier League matches this term (Sofascore).
The 26-year-old was a key performer for Newcastle last season in his first full campaign at St James’ Park as he scored four goals and provided two assists in 36 Premier League appearances. However, he was also dispossessed 10.7 times per game and missed nine big chances in the final third (Sofascore).
The arrivals of Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson have added extra depth to Newcastle’s attacking options, and Almiron is seemingly not an integral part of the forward line anymore. Bruce has even opted to switch him to a midfield role amid injury issues to Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden.
Newcastle fans discuss Almiron’s recent form
Many Newcastle fans have been keen to defend a “quality” player in Almiron and suggested that the issue lies more within Bruce’s negative approach to matches and as a result not getting the best out of the 26-year-old.
When he came in he drastically changed our average position and pushed it way further up the pitch. Brought the best of of Ayoze and Rondon too. Made us an attacking threat. Bruce has taken the energy aspect of ASM and Miggy away from the team and we are a lot worse off for it
— fergs (@fergs777) November 9, 2020
Get some decent midfielders with pace in the team who can track back.. Miggy is playing in 3 positions every game.. Leave him in the opp half… The lad is quality.
— Mal nufc1892 (@malnufc1892) November 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/Barmy2Toon/status/1325815868912234499?s=19
Steve Bruce is the problem Almiron would do well at a club like Leeds
— Liam (@LiamK1998_) November 9, 2020
How strange Rafa got him playing very well indeed.
— Nige Smith (@toastofworcesta) November 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/dedwards1892/status/1325775629904703490?s=19
