Newcastle could have a new Nobby Solano on their hands, says Stephen Glass

Newcastle may have unearthed the next Nobby Solano in the form of Miguel Almiron, according to former Newcastle midfielder Stephen Glass.

Glass, who used to represent Newcastle, believes the South American has all the qualities to reach the levels of the Peruvian Solano at St James’s Park.

Could Almiron be the next Solano? Five things to know…

1. 1. Newcastle signed Almiron from Atlanta United in the MLS, where he scored 22 goals in 70 games.
   2. The 25-year-old is a Paraguayan international, notching 14 caps.
   3. The attacking midfielder also has 21 assists to his name during his time at Atlanta.
   4. Solano was a fan favourite on Tyneside during two stints where he forged a reputation for his silky movement and versatility.
   5. Glass now believes Almiron has all the ingredients to emulate his South American counterpart.

Almiron joined the Magpies for five-and-a-half years, and at £20m, for a record-MLS transfer fee and a record-Newcastle fee.

And Glass, who manages Atlanta United 2, the USL affiliate side (akin to a reserve side), believes he has all the tools to light up the Premier League with Newcastle.

“Newcastle United have got a very special talent on their hands in Almiron,” said Glass, speaking to The Shields Gazette.

“Having been at Newcastle I know exactly what the Geordies appreciate and Almiron has it in abundance. He is someone who has no fear with the ball at his feet but will also work very hard without it. He is a very dangerous player and will work for the team.”

Glass also feels Almiron will be able to change any preconceptions about the standard of football in the MLS, should he succeed in England.

“The MLS is a very different style, a different culture to Europe, but there are some very good players at most of the teams over here.

“A lot of European clubs will find some excellent talent over here, and like Almiron, everyone has their price.

“Football in the US is a totally different beast due to the travelling – teams travel the equivalent of the length of Europe for a league game. For that reason it is not fair to compare the MLS with other leagues.

“But if Almiron suceeds, as I expect he will, then you may see one or two others looking to signs stars of the MLS. He has the power to change perceptions with this move.”

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Glass went on to talk about his own time on Tyneside, insisting all Newcastle players have to wear their hearts on their sleeves to garner the full appreciation of the club’s very passionate fanbase.

He added: “I absolutely loved my time at Newcastle. I got how much it meant to the fans, and I was proud to wear the shirt. Miguel is a player who ‘gets it’, too.

“He was adored by thousands here at Atlanta, played to massive sell out crowds, so he will not be overawed by playing at a special place like St James’s Park. Every player wants to play at grounds like Newcastle, and I’m sure the Geordies can’t wait to see Almiron for themselves.

“People have spoken about his lack of English, but it is OK. I remember when Nobby Solano was signed at the same time as me – it’s fair to say his English was very poor to nonexistent.

“But Nobby was the type of character who really bought into the culture in Newcastle, learned the language and is loved by the fans. So these things can change very quickly. Nobby was a great personality at that time, and Almiron can has the capability to emulate that.”

Is Almiron set to add goals to Newcastle like Nobby Solano?

Dead-ball specialist Nobby Solano scored 48 goals in 314 games for Newcastle over two spells in the north east.

Almiron scored more regularly at Atlanta, in a league which is unquestionably less competitive and perhaps easier to score in.

It remains to be seen whether the Paraguayan will follow in the footsteps of his popular predecessor, but with Newcastle just a point above the relegation zone, and with a distinct lack of goals (22 – only Huddersfield have scored fewer with 14), the club will need him to.

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