Date published: Saturday 23rd February 2019 6:29
Miguel Almiron walked out at St James’ Park for the very first time on Saturday and just in case the expectation of Newcastle fans had somehow escaped him since his record transfer on deadline day, the Toon Army spelt it out in black and white.
‘Almiron. Quiero contar contigo.’
Roughly translated, the message from the Gallowgate End was ‘we are counting on you’. If the Paraguayan’s performance on his full debut was any indication, then that faith, has not been misplaced.
Here we go #nufc pic.twitter.com/KHN3Ht2CVb
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) February 23, 2019
Against Huddersfield, Almiron was superb. The context of the opposition cannot be ignored, nor can the fact the Premier League’s bottom side, without a win now in 14, played more than three-quarters of the match a man short. But Newcastle fans need not let that fact detract from their excitement after their first encounter with their most expensive signing.
Coming from MLS, it was presumed that Almiron might take some time to settle on Tyneside and beyond the Newcastle goldfish bowl in the wider environment of the Premier League. But the lightning-fast 24-year-old appeared immediately at home, with only the absence of a goal denying him the dreamiest of debuts.
He went close, most notably with a deft chip which bounced off the base of the post after sprinting through on goal with barely 12 minutes played. Salomon Rondon’s rebound also struck the frame of the goal but rather than cause the home supporters to worry that this might be just another of those days, Almiron’s burst increased only anticipation rather than apprehension.
Even Almiron’s mistakes were positive. A heavy touch in the 20th minute enticed Tommy Smith into a tackle that he couldn’t win, resulting in a red card for the Huddersfield defender. It was the first time in five years for Newcastle – a run of 155 games – that a Premier League opponent had received their marching orders and that novelty added to the buzz while the Terriers’ disadvantage created more space for Almiron and his new mates.
Despite passing up a series of chances before the break, the tension was not allowed to build in the second half before Newcastle took their deserved lead through Rondon. Though Almiron didn’t play a direct role in the opener, he did provide a cross which eventually found Ayoze Perez, via DeAndre Yedlin and Rondon, with the Spanish playmaker lashing home to give Newcastle breathing space.
Though Almiron grabbed most of the attention, Perez and Rondon were also hugely impressive in a Newcastle side which finally appears to possess a cutting edge. Benitez’s men had 29 shots on goal which is the most they have tried in a single game since they returned to the Premier League at the start of last season. They hit the target 12 times – four times more than their previous best – which offers some evidence of how impressive Jonas Lossl was in the Huddersfield goal.
An impressive home debut from Almiron, but man of the match again @seanlongstaff97 faultless in the middle of the pitch. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Toon Toon ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️ #NEWHUD
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) February 23, 2019
Sean Longstaff continued to defy his inexperience in Newcastle’s midfield too and the academy graduate pushed Almiron hard for the man of the match award. The local lad has been massive bonus in recent weeks, but the Toon Army are banking on their expensive import. The early signs suggest Almiron was a very smart investment.
Ian Watson
