His smile spread wide across his face, that infectious beacon of joy, the Paraguay international peeled away and ran with joy.
It’s taken a while but things seem to be clicking with Miguel Almiron. The way he attacked the penalty area against West Ham was exactly what Newcastle United needed, while his goal against Bournemouth showed a player with more finesse and craft than pure, brute desire.
Hybrid
Some forwards seem to score goals by force of will. They seem to rage and fight and sweat the ball into the net. Others seem to take no care at all as they magic goals out of thin air with a brief swoosh of their feet.
Almiron seems to be halfway between both methods.
There was always talent in the former Atlanta player, but it took a while to manifest itself in the right way. After taking the MLS by storm, a move to the Premier League followed and there was always going to be a transition period.
Progress
Nevertheless, there was more than a pregnant pause or an uncomfortable silence regarding the length of that transition. He wasn’t helped by the tactics of head coach Steve Bruce, who is now getting the best out of him post-lockdown.
There are several assets that Almiron possessed which can’t be debated: he’s quick, he’s direct and his willing to go time and time again. He’s beginning to fix the things that were up for debate - his ability to start and finish moves.
The forward now has four goals in the Premier League this season and four in the FA Cup. He’s an inch away from breaking double figures in all competitions during his first full season in England.
Doubters Into Believers
Almiron is getting better. He’s putting smiles on Geordie faces, and while those smilies might not be as radiant as the ones emanating from his own face, they’re just as broad.
Because Almiron is turning doubters into believers.