What can Newcastle fans expect from Almiron?

Adam McCabe is Prost Amerika’s Atlanta correspondent

So, what kind of player are Newcastle getting in Miguel Almiron?

First and foremost they are getting a player with incredible pace. Almiron is arguably one of the fastest if not the fastest in the MLS when running with the ball. Almiron is the type of player who can change the game with one pass, one shot, one run, one skill.

He is a playmaker and somebody who will want to be involved in the buildup and help control the tempo of the game. He is a player who works tirelessly on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. While maybe not the best tackler, he is tactically sound on keeping his defensive shape and doing his defensive duties.

Almiron’s flair and excitement obviously comes with what he can do with the ball on the offensive. He led Atlanta United in assists for both the 2017 and 2018 season. He can score free kicks, from the penalty spot and in the flow of the game. Almiron  is not as much a threat in the air, especially in a league as physical as the English Premier League.

Traditionally for Atlanta United, Almiron played in the number 10 position right behind Martinez.

For most of his tenure, Almiron was given a free role to roam the field and find the game. Whether popping up on the wings, or playing directly under Martinez, Almiron made it impossible for defenses to man mark him. Another fantastic component of his game is his movement off of the ball. Occurring more often than our star striker Josef Martinez, Almiron made countless runs in the attacking third to relieve pressure from the opponent and to create space for others. He excels in the final third on the left flank where he can whip in a cross for strikers or cut in to attack players one versus one. His off the ball movement is a huge crux of his game and will give defenses trouble in the EPL.

Where Almiron will struggle or need to adapt quickly is to the pace and intensity of the game.

Like most South American players, the adjustment to the climate and physicality of the game will be a challenge.

Almiron is a small framed and frail individual who will need to toughen up for the EPL. Tackles will come in much stronger and more often than he is used to in the MLS. Also, the amount of games and frequency could be an issue for him. Overplaying in his first season with Atlanta United led to his hamstring injury, so the Magpies will have to monitor his fitness and health.

Do I think Newcastle is a good destination for Almiron? No doubt.

This is an excellent jump in his career and the dream-move he is looking for to launch his name on the international level. For Newcastle United is it a good move? I think so.

If Newcastle plans to sit back and play counterattacking football, Almiron is the perfect individual to lead the team into breaking out quickly and being the man to lead the transition. He has great quality in the final third and as said before, can easily change a game with his talent.

Ayoze Pérez seems to be a somewhat similar player, but without the pace and speed Almiron can display. It will be interesting to see where Newcastle place their new signing, how the tactics change for the team and most importantly if the price tag and pressure will get to him.

Atlanta fans will wish Miguel the best of luck in his new journey and thank him for everything he has done for the club and city.

Part 1: Farewell to Almiron

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