Miguel Almiron has never had it so good in a Newcastle United shirt. Six goals in five games this month has seen the Paraguayan revel in the new-found spotlight of being the Magpies' main man.
This run of form and fan adoration has been a long time coming for Almiron, who has flattered to deceive at times during his three-year spell on Tyneside. Only a matter of months ago the winger was being touted with a move away as the likes of Fulham and Everton inquired over his availability.
But Eddie Howe's constant backing in public and motivational words in private have seen Almiron revive his flatlining St James' Park career, with the player now contesting a Goal of the Month competition all by himself.
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So, what has prompted the significant improvement in Almiron's game so far this season? As mentioned, there is Howe's unwavering support in recent months. The Newcastle boss has championed the former Atlanta man to find his best form at every turn, putting significant work in on the training pitch to make that a possibility.
There were a host of individual sessions between Howe's coaching staff and Allan Saint-Maximin over the summer but there was also a focus on how to get more from the attacker on the opposite flank. In particular, finishing drills and positional routines were set up with Almiron to eke out a bit more from the south American.
The 28-year-old is said to have been impressed with the standard and diversity of Howe's training sessions in recent months, a thought shared by a host of first-team stars. Miggy has always been one to give his all in pre-match practice sessions and is finally being rewarded for that of late.
“First and foremost, the work ethic of the player is just incredible,” Howe said this month. “Out of possession, you’ve got almost like an extra man with how much running he does. The player deserves the credit, he’s given everything."
Another huge boost has been the help of Kieran Trippier behind him on the pitch. Constant overlaps and attacking support aid Newcastle's output as a whole, while Almiron also receives constant reminders about his positioning from the veteran full-back.
A huge emphasis has been put on Trippier, Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes linking up as a trio down the right-hand side for Newcastle, with the winger often seeking out his south American counterpart for a give-and-go over the top of the opposition defence.
This type of move has been seen a host of times already this season, none remembered more fondly than when it created Almiron's first goal at Fulham earlier in the month. Guimaraes has three assists to his name since arriving at Newcastle - and all three of them have been for goals scored by Almiron.
Off the pitch, it has been plain sailing for Almiron's family too. He and partner Alexia welcomed their first child, Francesco, in the summer of 2021 and are at home in the north east. The trio were all together on the St James' Park turf on Saturday night after the attacker another goal to his tally for the season.
Of course, there is the one man not involved with Newcastle who is receiving a lot of praise for helping Almiron this season. And that man is Jack Grealish.
The Manchester City star gave Almiron all the ammunition he needed with his unprovoked insult during his side's title parade earlier this year. Ever since, Grealish has suffered the social media wrath of Newcastle fans each time Miggy adds to his goal tally in the Premier League.
Grealish managed to avoid the boos of the St James' Park faithful earlier this season as he missed the clash through injury. However, the England international was spotted in the directors' box witnessing Almiron score beyond Ederson during the game.
The Man City man and the player he accused of 'playing like Almiron', Riyad Mahrez, are both struggling this season as Pep Guardiola's side run riot at home and abroad due to Erling Haaland's brilliance. Something Newcastle fans love to point out.
Howe insists Almiron is not spurred on by Grealish's opinions and instead is focused on proving himself to the Newcastle supporters. He has certainly achieved that so far, pleasing him family back home too.
Speaking to Chronicle Live earlier this month, Almiron's uncle Diego heaped praise on the flying forward and revealed the Paraguayan pride is on his full display back in his native country.
"Just speaking to Miguel, he told me how well this moment is going and how happy he is," Diego revealed to ChronicleLive. "We never doubted that this would happen because we know him and we know that he never gives up so the family is very happy and proud of our Miggy. Hopefully he can continue to bring joy to the Newcastle fans who always supported him."
There is now talk of Player of the Year awards and Goal of the Season accolades for Almiron. However, Newcastle fans are just happy to see the smiling assassin flourishing after years of urging him to really 'Play Like Almiron'.
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