From agent row to goal of season contenders, Miguel Almiron's impressive rise under Eddie Howe

Miguel Almiron put in one of his best performances in a Newcastle United at Craven Cottage against Fulham.

A goal of the season contender in the first half saw United double the lead and Almiron was unfortunate not to emerge with the match ball after grabbing a second and seeing a goal flagged offside. Almiron took time to win a place in Eddie Howe's side last season and had to wait for his chance.

But performances like this will ensure he is the first name on the team sheet.

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Howe said: "He’s capable of doing magical things and for me that was a magical goal. Bruno (Guimaraes) again was involved and they’ve got a really good understanding the pair of them.

"I am delighted for Miggy, he’s such an infectious character, his work sort of epitomises our play really so it was great to see."

It is all a far cry from two years ago when former boss Steve Bruce clashed with Miggy's agent Daniel Campos when he claimed the playmaker would be starring for Inter Milan or Atletico Madrid had it not been for the pandemic.

Consistency now has to be the aim for Almiron although the South American is now joint top scorer on three goals with Callum Wilson. He could also win goal of the month for the second time in 2022.

Last season his strike against Crystal Palace sealed the prize, and after the game Howe spoke of the magic he can produce and said: "I’ve seen it. Crystal Palace last year, the goal he scored that day was an individual goal and had similar parts to it to today’s goal."

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