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Rafael Benitez defends Miguel Almiron over lack of goals

Benitez defends Miguel Almiron over lack of goals
© Reuters
The Paraguay international is still awaiting his first for the Magpies.

Newcastle midfielder Miguel Almiron has been told not to worry about his lack of goals as he comes to terms with life in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old Paraguay international is six appearances into his career in English football, but is yet to find the back of the net despite turning in a series of impressive displays.

However, manager Rafael Benitez has told him not to fret about that and carry on doing what he has been doing after helping to bring some new vigour to the Magpies.

Asked if Almiron needs a goal ahead of Monday night's visit to Arsenal, Benitez said: "No, not really. Perhaps if I asked the specific question, he would say yes, but he is happy and you can see that in the matches.

"He is doing OK. I do not see any anxiety just because he is not scoring. He is fine.

"You talk about (Salomon) Rondon, (Ayoze) Perez and Almiron and they play well together. But I want to be fair with (Christian) Atsu because he was doing well. Had he not been playing well, that is different.

"Maybe he (Almiron) has more pace going forward causing more problems for defenders, and that is beneficial for Rondon and Ayoze."

Almiron joined Newcastle in a big-money move from MLS side Atlanta United in January and has been an instant hit with fans, who are inspired by his pace and attacking instinct.

The move has catapulted him into the limelight, but Benitez is confident he is taking all of that in his stride.

He said: "He is fine. He is someone who likes to stay at home, come here, train. He's a nice lad, not too worried about what is going on around him, just concentrating on what he is doing here."

Almiron will run out at the Emirates Stadium hoping he lasts a little longer than he did in his last appearance for his country during the international break.

The midfielder was sent off for an awful challenge on Peru's Jose Juan Vazquez just seven minutes after being introduced as a substitute, although his club manager is convinced there will be no hangover.

Benitez said: "I do not think he is the sort of player who would make a bad tackle on purpose. It was the situation. They were losing and he has this energy. But mentally, he is ready and he is training well."


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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32262483216280
2Liverpool32247172195379
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs322111060342664
4Arsenal31196665392663
5Chelsea32196755342163
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd32187761431861
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32138114039147
8Watford32137124747046
9Leicester CityLeicester32135144243-144
10Everton32127134542343
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham32126144148-742
12Bournemouth32115164358-1538
13Crystal Palace32106163843-536
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3298153142-1135
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3196163246-1433
16Southampton3189143550-1533
17Burnley3296173759-2233
18Cardiff CityCardiff3284202861-3328
RFulham3345243076-4617
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3235241859-4114

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