Miguel Almiron still remains 'surplus to requirements' at Newcastle United despite his stunning matchwinning goal against Crystal Palace. That is the view of former Magpies defender Steve Howey, who does not feel the Paraguay international's future lies at St James' Park.
The former club-record signing has struggled for game-time under Eddie Howe, but has impressed in recent displays having been selected to replace the injured Ryan Fraser. Almiron scored his first goal in black-and-white since February 2020 in Wednesday's win against Palace, beating Vicente Guaita with a powerful strike from a tight angle.
Howey previously stated it would be a 'surprise' if the former Atlanta United playmaker was still on Tyneside next season, and described his time at the club so far as 'frustrating'. Almiron's performances in recent outings has led some to suggest he could remain a part of Howe's plans beyond the summer, but the pundit insists the 28-year-old does not possess the final ball or consistency required.
Howey told BBC Newcastle's Total Sport: "He can change people's minds, but he hasn't changed my mind. He comes across as a really nice fella, you can not question his effort.
"But 39 games he has gone without scoring, and he is so dependent on his left foot. There was a chance yesterday [Wednesday] that he took it past the defender, he's got to hit it with his right foot. He doesn't, he opens his body up to try and get it on his left, that's why he loses a lot of his power.
"I'm delighted for the lad, but it is his final ball and his strike rate. One swallow doesn't make a summer, he did really well [vs Palace] but it's got to be consistent, and it hasn't been consistent. That's why he has been in and out of the team.
"That's why when you look at [players] possibly surplus to requirements, people might think I'm being harsh here but he's one of them. When a team is evolving and when you've got that snowball effect which you've got at Newcastle which we've had before in the past, unfortunately there's lads you like but when you want to get better and better, they are not going to be a part of it."
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