South American trio triumphing in Newcastle’s Champions League push

Almirón is too fast for his defender as the ball runs loose. He rotates his body like a revolving door, appearing to step around an invisible hole in the floor, 35 yards away from goal. Poor Ryan Sessegnon. The Spurs right-back has no chance against Miguel’s superior strength, and, more importantly, his excellent body position as his spins and positions himself between the opponent and the ball, the goal now in his sights.

Nobody really thinks the Paraguayan has any chance of scoring; a run and a cross into the box, maybe, but there are way too many levels of Conte’s defensive labyrinth along the way. Tell that to Almirón, then.

Has anyone checked if Almirón can actually see what you’re thinking?

Clément Lenglet sends the oncoming Almirón down the channel away from Lloris in goal, a smart move from an experienced defender. But, naturally, he does not anticipate that the forward had already read his mind and decided to run the same way away from goal; the gap for Almirón to charge past him is now open. Into the space behind the defensive line is a ‘welcome home’ mat with an inviting smell of cookies and cream to greet the striker as he lets himself in; Lloris coming out to stop the striker is a nice touch, a respectful effort, perhaps, but one does not simply stop Almirón in the form of his life. He slips the ball under the legs of Lloris and wheels away, eyebrows sky-high in disbelief (or maybe this expression is simply how he is able to see your thoughts).

Newcastle United currently sit 4th in the Premier League, one point above Manchester United and just two behind Conte’s Spurs, who they beat 1-2 on Sunday. Almirón’s form has much to do with this: the Champions League is in sight and South America leads the way in taking Newcastle United back there.

The City winger has to eat his words... from the bench

When Manchester City won the league last season, Jack Grealish was asked about the secrets behind the success. The British record £100 million man, during the celebrations, controversially replied that “there were two secrets… number one, Riyad [Mahrez], taking him off the pitch, as soon as possible. He played like Almiron yesterday…”

Since the comment, Grealish has scored a total of 1 goal in the Premier League, taking his City tally up to 4 since 2021. This season alone, Miguel Almirón has scored 6 goals in a total of 12 games. Grealish has played 90 minutes for Manchester City once; Almirón is yet to play less than 70 minutes a game this season.

Behind the Paraguayan is the presence of a commanding midfield that offers a reassuring sense of both protection and flair; Almirón can burst forward when he likes as Bruno Guimarães patrols behind. Signed in the summer and has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe’s side, the midfielder, who confirmed to have held talks with Real Madrid over becoming a replacement for Casemiro, has quickly become one of the top midfielders in the league.

Since the takeover by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, PIF, Newcastle United have spent big in order to complete with the top sides in English football. Real Sociedad were paid £63 million for striker Alexander Isak, who is now injured, as well as big sums being spent in defence on Sven Botman and Nick Pope.

Bruno is not the only Brazilian to make supporters stand up and applaud at St. James’ Park. Joelinton, the man who ´Toon´ fans once loathed and berated, has become a key fixture in Eddie Howe’s side, providing both goals and assists for the team. His arrival from Hoffenheim in 2019 was met with anticipation but quickly turned to disappointment before fading into apathy, as the striker make a name for himself as an unproductive, clumsy forward whose eye for goal got lost somewhere on the journey from Germany.

Joelinton making St. James’ Park dance in delight

The key moment in Joelinton’s revival came under current boss Howe, who moved him away from the front line and into a deeper midfield position. Joelinton started to run games from behind, using driving runs and his natural ball control to have an effect from deeper. Given the acquisition of Bruno, Joelinton has returned to the forward line but this season has been affecting games from the left; confidence is surging throughout this side and the South American influence within the squad has a lot to do with it.

The Champions League is a long way away yet, but is anyone knows how to push a team onto success it is the Newcastle fans. Of course, they cannot actually play a physical role on the pitch, and thus will have to leave the task of winning matches to the trio of South Americans currently helping them to dream. And that might not be a bad thing.