Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron has told the club’s official website that he is confident Steve Bruce’s decision to move him into the attack will pay dividends to his performances in Black and White.
Almiron never played in an outright striking role under Rafa Benitez following his former club-record move from MLS franchise Atlanta United, where even in the States he predominately featured from the forefront of midfield.
But Bruce has favoured the Paraguayan in a more advanced role since the £18million-rated star returned from his post-Copa America break, and saw a tenacious effort from the 25-year-old against Arsenal on Sunday.
Asuncion-born Almiron is still yet to open his account for the Magpies, though, having failed to see any of his 21 strikes in Black and White cross the goal line despite sealing his January Deadline Day move after striking double figures for goals in an MLS season for the first time in his career.
But the Toon’s energetic star is not concerned about when his first goal will come, and is confident Bruce’s decision to move him into the attack will lead to a strong on-field relationship with Joelinton.
“I think this position the manager is asking me to play now is a position I feel very, very comfortable in – I like playing there,” he said. “Gradually, we are trying to build up an understanding between Joe and myself – he’s a great player.
“I’m quite relaxed about it [not yet scoring for Newcastle]. The main thing is that I’m performing well, and providing opportunities for other players, and I’m bringing things to the side other than just goals.
“I’ve never been a massive goalscorer, but I’m confident that the goal will come. You don’t have to worry about these things too much and the goal will come. I feel good in myself, and the main thing is to help the team in every aspect.”
In his Premier League appearances before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury last term, Almiron contributed 1.5 key passes per ninety minutes for Newcastle, along with 0.8 successful dribbles and 2.2 shots.
Already in the one game played so far this season, he has improved his output of successful dribbles with two completed against the Gunners, in a match where he also laid on one key pass and won an aerial duel.