JOHN GIBSON
Pressure on Almiron to prove his worth
COME in No 24, your time (hanging about) is up.
Miguel Almiron, Newcastle’s record signing in waiting, is about to swap anticipation for reality. He is about to play.
Of course being the costliest footballer in United’s history, which he will be when the add-ons bump his fee up to £21m, does not guarantee popularity. You can become loved or hated because the price has heightened anticipation.
Michael Owen – £16m from Real Madrid in 2005 – ended up despised by the Toon Army, accused of selling club and fans short whereas Alan Shearer at a then world record £15m back in 1996 went on to become the club’s greatest-ever goalscorer and a No 9 legend.
Shearer was the culmination of Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers era when United’s buying record was smashed with almost almost every other signing – Andy Cole at £1.7m March 1993, Darren Peacock £2.7m March 94, Warren Barton £4m June 95, Les Ferdinand £6m June 95, Tino Asprilla £7.5m February 96.
What stepping stones, what building bricks!
Incidentally just to emphasise Sir John Hall’s ambitions, pushed by those around him, during United’s mad flurry he also smashed rugby union’s ceiling by making Inga Tuigamala the sport’s first £1m player after taking over Newcastle Falcons.
While all the named Entertainers were a success, United have wasted good money, of course, and during Mike Ashley’s time. Think of Florian Thauvin at £13m and, yes, so far Jacob Murphy at £12m.
So what awaits Almiron? Great success we fervently hope - starting with the banishment of relegation fears.
Certainly, the Paraguayan uttered all the right words when unveiled to the press amid much pomp at SJP this week.
Yes Rafa Benitez was a huge factor in him signing, the record fee is “an honour and a privilege,” he does not crave or even think of becoming an idol like Shearer only wishing to “help my team-mates, and he has been bowled over by his Geordie welcome.
I mean, a scriptwriter could not have done better. First test passed with flying colours.
Of course, the real test comes on the pitch but again the signs are good. Those who have seen him at close quarters talk with enthusiasm of his lightning pace, his great left foot, his assists AND goals and his tigerish work rate without the ball which will have unquestionably attracted Benitez.
The video clips we have seen have been breathtaking, though caution must be applied when studying ability through selected cameos.
I always remember when Gateshead’s owner watching video clips of a potential signing who at first glance looked way above our class until I realised virtually every one ended before the player’s final ball. No doubt because as often as not it was wayward.
We did not sign the guy and I never heard of him again. Almiron will wear No 24 but probably play at No 10 though he can also operate wide.
His pace on the counter attack will be a massive asset. Atlanta coach Martino explains: “As a player who always works hard Manuel is never absent in a game even a game where your team is not dominating the offensive facet of the match.
“I cannot remember a game where his work rate was not showcased. For a coach to find a player who plays that position with that level of commitment is valuable.” Almiron, it would seem, puts great emphasis on forging a relationship with his coach. Benitez was instrumental in him joining Newcastle (he has won everything and is Spanish speaking of course) and Miguel had a bond with former Barcelona boss Martino.
El Tata, as he’s known affectionately, led Paraguay to the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup. “I did not know much about MLS, I did not know where Atlanta was,” admitted Almiron, “but Tata was manager and that was all I needed to know.”
So what lies ahead for Almiron and Newcastle?
After a drought will come a torrent – almost a fortnight off following Wolves on Monday night then it is three PL matches in a week. Huddersfield and Burnley at home and West Ham away. How must that stack up bearing in mind United’s desperation to survive? Nine points would be sensational. Seven excellent. Six more than acceptable. Five OK. Three very disappointing. Less horrific.
United must go to town against Huddersfield. That is a gimme. Chances do not come better than this and victory must be built upon - which could prove tricky.
Burnley go into today’s game at Brighton having not lost a PL game in 2019, a real improvement in their own fight to remain a paid-up member of the elite, while the Hammers can be devastating or disappointing.
However, the top flight does not throw up many automatics - with the possible exception of the Terriers this season.
Yet for every Geordie terrace dweller, the appearance of Miguel Almiron brings genuine hope.
By the way, Sir Les Ferdinand is coming back to Tyneside.
He is appearing at Hedworth Hall in South Shields on Thursday, February 21.
Prices range from £25 per person for standard tickets to VIP at £50, discounts given for tables of 10. To book, call Hedworth Hall on
0191 456
3112.
Almiron will wear No 24 but probably play at No 10. His pace on the counter attack will be a massive asset John Gibson