{"id":351279,"date":"2019-02-01T11:21:14","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T16:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=351279"},"modified":"2019-02-01T11:33:43","modified_gmt":"2019-02-01T16:33:43","slug":"how-will-miguel-almiron-fit-into-rafa-benitezs-plans-at-newcastle-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/02\/01\/how-will-miguel-almiron-fit-into-rafa-benitezs-plans-at-newcastle-united\/","title":{"rendered":"How Will Miguel Almiron Fit Into Rafa Benitez’s Plans at Newcastle United?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Newcastle United<\/a> smashed their transfer window with the signing of Miguel Almiron<\/a> from Atlanta United for \u00a321 million on deadline day. It breaks a 14-year record dating back to when Newcastle brought in the injury-prone Michael Owen. It also follows a year-long transfer pursuit which frustrated Rafa Benitez. The manager will be delighted to finally get his man, but how will the Paraguayan forward fit in at St James’ Park?<\/span><\/p>\n

How Will New Signing Miguel Almiron Fit in at Newcastle?<\/h1>\n

Rafa’s Plans Could be Bad News For Ayoze Perez<\/h2>\n

Almiron, who starred for Atlanta United in the MLS, looks like he will fit into the number ten role, just behind Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon. At Atlanta, Almiron provided the assists for Rondon\u2019s international counterpart Jozef Martinez and he will no doubt be hoping he can do the same for Rondon. <\/span><\/p>\n

The two players who may struggle to get minutes with Almiron\u2019s signing, though, are likely to be Ayoze Perez and Yoshinori Muto. Perez has long been a favourite of Rafa\u2019s but has been unable to kick on and perform consistently. He has struggled to produce an end product and can be too lightweight at times. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Star Who Can Score and Provide Assists<\/h2>\n

Almiron has been seen by many as Atlanta\u2019s best player in the last two seasons. He has scored 21 goals and also had 28 assists during his spell at the Mercedes Benz Stadium. He was voted into both MLS Best XI in 2017 and 2018. His final appearance for Atlanta led to tears from many fans. He will be hoping he can continue his MLS Form at St James\u2019s Park.<\/span><\/p>\n

MLS to Premier League – Can He Adapt?<\/h2>\n

Many MLS Pundits feel that in terms of technical ability, Almiron should be able to cope with the transition to the Premier League. He has a good dribbling ability and a quality delivery for set-pieces, as well as possessing a fine range of passing. His pace will be vital for Newcastle, who have struggled to open up teams at times. The one question mark is whether he is too slight for the Premier League and will cope with the physicality. If he is able to adapt, he may play a key role in maintaining Newcastle’s Premier League status.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a>