Jonjo Shelvey may indeed be a regular under Steve Bruce but the fact the midfielder could miss up to four weeks of action with a hernia problem is not as big a concern as it was prior to the Wolves game.
Of course, in an ideal world, everybody would be fit but the performance of Miguel Almiron in a central position should give Newcastle United hope they can manage Shelvey’s absence. Indeed, the Paraguayan star was deployed alongside Jeff Hendrick in the engine room and impressed.
Making two interceptions (only Hendrick made more) and attempting 8 tackles (the most on the pitch), Almiron’s energy and work-rate in midfield gave the traveling Toon Army a more mobile presence in the middle of the park, even if the attack failed to perform.
A typically tireless performance from Miguel Almirón #NUFC pic.twitter.com/0og5xJfrHf
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 25, 2020
Perhaps alongside a returning Isaac Hayden, the former Atlanta star could be freed from the defensive shackles somewhat and help join Allan Saint-Maximin in attack, thereby giving the side more balance. With Newcastle crying out for more dynamism in midfield, someone of the pace and tenaciousness of Almiron certainly looks a smart in-house answer.
While high-flying Everton are up next, their full-backs in Ben Godfrey and Lucas Digne were exploited somewhat by Southampton, so having players of the skill-set Newcastle have in wide positions or running from deep could potentially give the Toffees something to think about.
It’s not been the easiest of seasons for Miguel Almiron thus far but, after another successful trip to the Black Country, it may yet alight.