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Opinion

Can Miguel Almiron better these previous South American Newcastle United players – All 16 of them rated

5 years ago
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Miguel Almiron is reportedly set to train with the rest of the Newcastle United squad on Wednesday.

The Paraguayan playmaker/number 10 now having his work permit after travelling to Paris in order to speed the process up.

By my reckoning, Miguel Almiron will become Newcastle United’s seventeenth South American of the modern era (my time going to games, so ruling out George and Ted Robledo).

So what is the competition if he is to become Newcastle United’s greatest ever South American of the modern era?

Here are the 16 previous, my favourite to least favourite…

Nobby Solano

Absolutely brilliant. With Laurent Robert on the other side, they were a superb pairing under Sir Bobby.

Kenny Dalglish was a disaster overall but he did make some great signings, such as Solano and Shay Given.

Jonas Gutierrez

A very underrated player, Jonas formed a great partnership with Jose Enrique down the left.

A real 100% player and person, probably Mike Ashley’s lowest point (which is saying something) when he oversaw a campaign of discrimination against such a loyal player when he had cancer.

Tino Asprilla

If we are honest, Tino Asprilla was superb, just not very often.

That Barcelona match was just so brilliant, whilst he actually did pretty well in those first few months in the Premier League, it is laughable when you get some trying to say he lost us the title, he added to the team that season. I don’t think he was as good the following season, a bit like David Ginola he still produced special moments but not often enough.

Fabricio Coloccini

Did well in the promotion season, very well when returning to the Premier League, then was superb when NUFC finished fifth.

After that he was a bit of a shambles and especially as captain, it was quite disgraceful when he kept trying to force a move, including mid-season with Newcastle fighting relegation in 2012/13.

Mirandinha

What a laugh. Having both he and Gazza together was pretty mad.

Not nearly as mad though as some of Mira’s shooting. He would quite literally shoot from anywhere, sometimes it came off but not very often.

Salomon Rondon

Has made an excellent start in very difficult circumstances.

It is a no-brainer for Ashley to bend and make him a permanent signing in the summer, even though he turns 30 in September. If so, I think a very good chance the Venezuelan will be moving up this list.

Federico Fernandez

A class act, has been as good at the back as Rondon has been up front.

He only has a year left after this one and again, a no-brainer to extend his deal as well this summer.

Clarence Acuna

Became a bit of a cult hero and his gritty midfield performances made him a popular player.

For older fans, maybe a bit like a David McCreery who would win the ball and then give it to others.

Christian Bassedas

Like Acuna, signed by Sir Bobby.

A steady midfielder who did ok, nothing more, nothing less.

Kenedy

If he had carried on his performances from early 2018, he would be far higher up this list.

He hasn’t and he isn’t. Somebody who clearly has a lot on his mind off the pitch and is showing this on it.

Daniel Cordone

Arrived same time as Bassedas, the Argentine striker only on loan though.

We saw odd moments of quality but not good enough, gained notoriety for having a wander around away grounds with his camera when with Newcastle in the Premier League, obviously looking for the tourist experience as well as he knew he wouldn’t be here a second season.

Diego Gavilan

Yet another Sir Bobby signing, obviously somebody was recommending South American players to the manager when he didn’t have a lot of money to spend early doors.

Not great, hopefully our second ever Paraguayan is a lot better than this winger.

Cacapa

One of Sam Allardyce’s many brilliant signings, not.

After a few decent games the Brazilian defender fell apart, a sign of what was to quickly to follow overall under Fat Sam.

Fumaca

The only Brazilian who can’t play football. The worst player many of us have ever seen.

Sir Bobby’s assistant Mick Wadsworth had Fumaca at both Colchester and Palace, before bringing him with him to St James Park. Maybe Wadsworth was the key man spotting all of this budget South American talent for Bobby Robson?

Nacho Gonzalez

Sums up the Mike Ashley regime.

Dennis Wise bringing the midfielder to the club on loan with no intention of playing him, as a favour to an agent. No wonder Kevin Keegan walked out.

Facundo Ferreyra

Gonzalez got a few minutes as a sub whilst Ferreyra managed a whole season on loan without a single minute on the pitch.

Surely this was yet another dodgy signing for the Ashley regime, as what was the point?

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