GIBSON Let’s unleash Almiron after Friedel’s big endorsement
MANY are fulsome in praise when there is little evidence upon which to substantiate their gushing.
It is tempting to run off at the mouth if asked to say a few kind words even if you know only a limited amount about the subject.
That is why I was particularly interested hear one American wax lyrical about Newcastle’s new £21m import from across the pond, Miguel Almiron.
Why? Because this Yank knows what he is talking about!
Brad Friedel played nigh-on 500 games for four Premier League clubs from 1997 to 2015, so he is fully versed in what is needed to succeed in the new playground of United’s hopeful.
A goalkeeper who performed into his 40s, he holds the Premier League record for most consecutive appearances with 310, a feat he achieved during spells at Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham. So what does Friedel, back home coaching MLS club New England Revolution, say about our boy from Atlanta? He said: “He may be a loss to Atlanta but is a definite gain for Newcastle. “Almiron was exceptional at Atlanta with great pace.
“The Premier League is different of course – it is very fast and physical – but he has the tools to deal with it, to be very good in England.
“It will take any player a little bit of adapting to any league in the world but Almiron has the potential to do very well over there.” Friedel knows the leagues in both countries so let Almiron loose this afternoon, Benitez and let us see the evidence. The American could easily have blazed a trail to the North East long before our new Paraguayian, of course.
Not only was he denied a deal to join United because he had not played enough international matches to gain a work permit but later he attempted to sign for Sunderland but was again blocked. Finally, with enough caps for America, he entered the Premier League front door with Liverpool. Our miss was the gain of others.
Almiron was exceptional at Atlanta with great pace. The Premier League is different of course – it is very fast and physical