UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is delighted to have the “incredible athlete” that is Miguel Almiron back in action.
The winger has started two of his club’s last six Premier League matches after recovering from a thigh injury.
He looks set to play a key role as Newcastle take on Brighton in the league on Thursday evening.
Newcastle boss praises ‘incredible athlete’
Almiron didn’t have the best of times upon his arrival in England, but he has been simply outstanding this season, helping the Magpies enjoy one of their best-ever top flight campaigns.
The 29-year-old has found the back of the net 11 times from his 31 Premier League matches, and although he has slowed down in recent weeks, he remains a crucial player for Howe and the team in general.
The manager has revealed his delight at welcoming back the Paraguay international to the fold, particularly as the club chase a Champions League spot.
“It’s great to have him back,” said Howe, as quoted by the official Newcastle website. “He’s been a huge player for us this year and, in front of goal, he’s been very good.
“As I always say with Miggy, he’s an incredible athlete for us off the ball as well so I was delighted to get him back in the team.”
Newcastle boss expecting tough test
Newcastle can be very proud of their exploits this season, with not many people at all predicting such a strong showing from the Magpies.
Like Almiron, the club as a whole have definitely taken their foot off the pedal in recent weeks, with their once-firm position in the top four now under threat.
They currently occupy joint-third spot in the table with 66 points, level with Manchester United, but Liverpool are hot on the heels of both clubs.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are enjoying a superb run of form, a run that has seen them climb to just a point behind the Magpies and the Red Devils.
The two teams in third have played a game fewer than the Reds, with Newcastle able to open up the gap once more when they take on Brighton.
But it will be a very difficult encounter for Howe’s men, with the Seagulls currently sitting in sixth spot, having played a game fewer than the Magpies.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men are flying high and are also chasing Europe, with Brighton just seven points adrift of Liverpool with two games in hand.
“It’s a huge game,” added Howe. “It’s one we’re looking forward to. I think it’s going to be a really good game between two excellent teams. I’ve got a lot of respect for Brighton and what they’ve done this season, how they play and, watching them against Arsenal in their last match, I was hugely impressed.
“They play the same shape with a couple of rotations but they’re very good at what they do. They try and play through you centrally with really good bodies in the middle of the pitch and are very good technically.
“Roberto has done an incredible job and I’m full of praise for how he’s set the team up and the style of football he wants to play.”
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
