Miguel Almiron admits the confidence behind his stunning pre-season form for Newcastle United is in part down to Eddie Howe showing 'more faith' in him. The former Magpies' record signing enjoyed his summer with six goals ahead of the new campaign and is expected to start the season opener against Nottingham Forest.
Almiron impressed in his first months on Tyneside under Rafa Benitez following his arrival from Atlanta United in January 2019. The forward forged an instant understanding with Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon in an attacking trio that was affectionately dubbed the 'Three Amigos' by supporters.
However, the Paraguay international has since struggled to nail down a regular starting spot under both Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe. Almiron's endeavour in and out of possession has never been in doubt, but the 28-year-old's attacking returns has regularly been the subject of criticism.
READ MORE: Miguel Almiron backed to impress with ‘fresh start’ at Newcastle United
However, the former MLS star has responded to these doubters in recent weeks with braces behind closed doors against both Burnley and Gateshead. This was followed up by a standout display and another double in the narrow Eusebio Cup defeat against Benfica.
Almiron is competing against the likes of Elliot Anderson, Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy for a starting spot in attack alongside Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. The in-form forward cited his work on the training ground and in pre-season when asked about his recent revival, but also tellingly highlighted the backing he now feels he has from Howe.
Almiron told the club's website: "More than anything, really, I feel a lot more confident. The manager has shown more faith in me too. I'm playing more on the right-hand side too, and I felt a lot more comfortable in that area of the pitch where I played in the last few games towards the end of last season
"I was getting forward a lot more. Obviously, I still need to keep working hard on my goalscoring and providing more assists, but I'm always working hard in every training session so I can ensure that can improve on a day-to-day basis. But if there has been a change, and for the better, it would be that I'm feeling more confident going into games, as well as feeling a lot stronger too, and that's very important."
READ NEXT
Leicester react to Newcastle's latest James Maddison transfer bid with familiar Chilwell message
Martin Dubravka makes Newcastle United admission and sets out ambition in emotive statement
Newcastle's James Maddison refusal gives Leicester test faced with Chelsea and Manchester United
Lucas Paqueta and James Maddison want the same thing amid Newcastle United transfer interest
Newcastle United table new huge offer for Leicester City's James Maddison
