Noel Whelan

Mon 10 October 2022 13:57, UK

Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe must take “great credit” for Miguel Almiron’s transformation in the new campaign.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 28-year-old has “risen to the challenge” by adding end product to his typical hard-working demeanour.

Almiron continued his impressive resurgence at St James’ Park with a goal in the second half of the 5-1 win over Brentford on Saturday (8 October).

The Paraguayan has started all nine of Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures this season, scoring four goals to equalling his most productive season.

That is a significant uptick from last term, when Almiron started just 50% (19) of the Magpies’ top-flight matches.

The forward, who has just over 18 months remaining on his contract at St James’ Park, was linked with Everton during the summer window.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the Jack Grealish comments have spurred him on.

“We always knew he was a hard-working player, but it was just the end product which always let him down.

“But looking at the goals he’s scored this season – and the goal he scored on Saturday, latching on and taking advantage of poor defending – it seems he’s finally added that.

“It can be down to a manager, squeezing every bit of quality out of a player. Eddie Howe has to take great credit for what he’s done with Almiron.

“You’ve got to install that belief and confidence in players like him. He’s risen to the challenges set and he’s now showing what an important player he can be.

“You can’t turn a blind eye to his work off the ball, but the key for him was always being part of that front three but not scoring goals. He’s got that ability now.

“Maybe last season he wouldn’t have latched onto that backpass, but he’s got the taste for it now. He’s reading these situations.”

In other news, pundit backs Newcastle United to complete Memphis Depay signing after £17m update.