Has Miguel Almiron justified his club-record transfer to Newcastle United?
Posted on February 22nd, 2020 | No Comments |
Newcastle United shelled out a club-record £21.6 million for the attacking midfielder, that is not chump change at St. James’ Park like it is at other Premier League clubs and players costing that much must show their worth before too long.
Has Miguel Almiron flopped at St. James’ Park?
It has now been over a year since Almiron arrived on Tyneside. He is an almost certain name on manager Steve Bruce’s team sheet playing in 29 games in all competitions with 25 of those coming in the Premier League.
Unfortunately, Almiron’s stats do not justify his club-record transfer fee (until Joelinton arrived). Almiron has scored four goals and added just one assist this season in all competitions, for a player that was expected to be a creative link in the midfield that opened up goalscoring chances, Almiron has failed.
Surely Benitez should have understood the poor defensive league in which Almiron previously excelled in with Atlanta United. The Major League Soccer team swashbuckled their way to the MLS Cup championship in 2018 and Almiron’s play with the American club attracted eyes from Europe with some clubs put off by the asking price. Arsenal were in for Almiron but only wanted to loan the player as they needed further convincing before paying the hefty fee.
Can Miguel Almiron recover at Newcastle United?
Newcastle United fans have expressed their frustration with Almiron this season. There have been countless misplaced passes, balls given away, and chances in front of goal not taken. Supporters were promised fireworks from Almiron when Benítez signed him over a year ago, all they have received so far is some faint sparks.
It was always going to take time for Almiron to step up from the MLS level to the Premier League, but his lack of impact on the team makes it more likely that English clubs will (once again) think twice before buying players from the American league.
The midfielder’s expected goals are 4.64 according to Understat. Almiron should be scoring more and having a greater impact in the final third. Against Arsenal on Sunday, Almiron took zero shots, had just one key pass, and had only 29 touches despite playing the full 90 minutes. According to WhoScored.com, Almiron had the lowest rating of Newcastle United’s starting XI at 5.9.
Although there have been more goals, four this season, it took 11 months for Almiron to score them. There could be time still for Almiron to show he is worth the £20m-plus Newcastle United paid for him, but it is running out.
NUFCBlog Author: Frankly Various
Frankly Various has written 67 articles on this blog.