Miguel Almiron continues to be eulogised after his man-of-the-match performance against Fulham. Two goals at Craven Cottage helped Newcastle United coast to a comfortable 4-1 victory and move up to seventh in the Premier League.
Former Middlesbrough midfielder Robbie Mustoe was left stunned by the Paraguayan’s volley in the first half. Shades of Marco van Basten were on show in West London as Almiron hit a crisp strike past the dumbfounded Bern Leno.
The 28-year-old is playing his best football for Newcastle and, after being the standout performer in pre-season, has carried that form into the real deal. Speaking on the 2 Robbies podcast, Mustoe praised Almiron for breaking into the Magpies’ setup when, not so long ago, his days on Tyneside looked numbered.
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“My underappreciated player of the week is Miguel Almiron,” he said. “First off, the first goal, with his left foot… wow. If anybody hasn't seen it, have a little look. If somebody else scores that, we are going crazy about it. I don't think we made enough of that.
“(It is) not just the goals. I didn't expect him to be an important part of Eddie Howe’s plans. I thought he might have been on the way out. But he's stepped up. I think that the fans love him.
“They sing songs, have banners in the terraces and stuff like that. Almiron is finding a way to be an important part, particularly in a team that's bringing in tonnes of attacking players as well. Fair play to him.”
Co-host and former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle highlighted the void Almiron filled on Saturday, with several attacking players ruled out. He added: “He's always worked incredibly hard up and down the pitch but somebody wanted to label him as a headless chicken. No goals, no assists.
“He’s started to give that now and, with Saint-Maximin out, with Isak out, they’ve needed players who can come in and do a job.”
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