Many Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after Miguel Almiron discussed what it has been like settling into life on Tyneside, and why his goal record in Black and White does not concern him.
Almiron has been at the club for just under a year now, having moved to St. James’ Park from Atlanta United in January for a then-club-record £21million, having helped the Five Stripes to clinch the MLS Cup in only their second season in 2018.
The Paraguayan had scored 13 goals and penned 13 assists during Atlanta’s title-clinching campaign, but is yet to open his Toon account, having now gone without a goal to his name in 24 Magpies appearances.
Almiron did register his first assist for the club in his last appearance after setting up Jetro Willems to pull the score level against Manchester City, following Raheem Sterling ending the deadlock as we went on to draw 2-2.
His wait for that first goal to his name has consistently been a hot topic at St. James’ Park among the fanbase and with pundits, but Almiron is not beating himself up over his lengthy drought.
“I’ve been feeling like I’ve been in good form in recent games, and I think both the team as a whole and my teammates are helping me to improve,” Almiron told the club’s official website.
“I just need to get that first goal, but you know what’s important – is that the team are playing well. Of course, I’d love to get on the scoresheet and I’m really itching to score, but I’m not beating myself up over it either. The goals will come along whenever they do and it will be at the right moment.
“I just try to give the best version of myself for the team and I think that is more important. I scored one or two goals for my previous clubs and for Paraguay, I’m getting forward and scoring. So I think when it comes, it will be a very happy day for Newcastle United supporters.”
Are you concerned by Almiron's wait for a goal?
Yes, a bit
No, it will come
Settling into life on Tyneside should not be a factor in his wait for a maiden strike, either, as Almiron added that he is now at home in the North East.
“I’m settled in very well,” he added. “The whole settling in process has gone very well and that’s down to the help from my teammates.
“I feel very much at ease at the club and in the city itself. I’m very happy here – I’ve always said that. All I do is try to bring a bit of myself and ability out onto the pitch.”
Almiron has been a key figure for both Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce since his transfer to the club in January, having started all bar one of the Premier League games available to him under our former manager, and each of the top-flight matches on offer under our current head coach.
Here are some of the reactions offered to Almiron’s recent comments…
(( You are the sprinter and boost of the team Miguel but yes YOU NEED TO SCORE !! Think of Newcastle United as if you played for Atlanta United.
But instead of red and black you’re in black and white. )) #NUFC
— Lady Highness Rarity Sparkle ( Loving Twilight ) (@RariCo4Ever) December 3, 2019
Reminds me a little of Ben arfa, loves to run at defenders & be a general pain for players.
— Dave (@davePnixon91) December 3, 2019
Does he speak English??
He looks very quiet on pitch.— Kamil K. (@camac27) December 3, 2019
He’s got the ability but you’ve got to question the coaches, what are they doing to help him get better in the final third? He got his goal contribution after almost a year, it’s not good enough
— sausage roll connoisseur (@LiamBarkasXX) December 3, 2019
Sunday miggy🙌🏻
— Leo Mcculloch (@LeoMcculloch1) December 3, 2019
It,l come
— AJ (@ESNUFC) December 3, 2019
Now we just need the fans to do the same
— 🅰️iden O’K 🉐️ (@A1dypercent) December 3, 2019
He’s class end off something we haven’t had in a while
— sbsam (@sbsam_sam) December 3, 2019
Am sure when he finds the back on the net he will be unreal ⚫️⚪️
— Lewis James (@Lewis93485602) December 3, 2019
In other Newcastle United news, the club are reportedly moving to sign a record-breaking wonderkid appearing on a dominant Euro giants’ radar.