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Charlie Bennett

Darren Bent in awe of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron's Newcastle United transformation

Former Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been left stunned by Eddie Howe’s ability to improve several Newcastle United players. It is no secret that the Toon boss’ greatest satisfaction as a coach comes on the training pitch.

Rigorous sessions are now the norm at the club’s Benton base - with few days off - and that reflects on a matchday. Newcastle supporters have witnessed their side become fitter, despite adopting a more gung-ho philosophy since Howe’s arrival.

Individuals whose days looked numbered on Tyneside are now one of the first names on the team sheet. Joelinton - signed as a striker - endured two painful seasons at St James’ Park following a record-breaking £40million move but is now a man reborn in midfield.

READ MORE: Newcastle owners get dream gift and Bruno's elite reaction after goal - 5 things

Miguel Almiron was reportedly considering a move away, with his agent Daniel Campos demanding summer talks with Toon chiefs earlier this year. However, a drastic turnaround has seen the Paraguayan flourish and, for the first time in almost four years, become a goal threat.

Four strikes already in 2022-23 means 31% of his total Premier League goals have been scored this season. The likes of Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Ryan Fraser have also enjoyed a renaissance under Howe.

Speaking to Premier League productions, Bent hailed the Newcastle boss’ impact after the Brentford win. He said: “What he (Howe) has done for people like Joelinton… Players like Joelinton, who was a centre-forward, they brought him in to score goals - but that wasn’t his game.

“They put him in central midfield and now he looks like a world-beater. Almiron, at the minute, is on a different planet. His goal against Fulham, another one against Brentford - he has been phenomenal. So Eddie Howe, and his coaching staff, deserve huge credit.”

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