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Almiron enjoying new role at Newcastle

Cape Town - Newcastle United playmaker Miguel Almiron says he is enjoying his new role under the stewardship of boss Steve Bruce.

Almiron grabbed the headlines in January when he signed for Newcastle for £21 million after impressing then-boss Rafael Benitez.

The former Cerro Porteno, Lanus and Atlanta United ace made nine appearances as he helped the Magpies avoid relegation.

The 25-year-old failed to score a goal for the club but made the left-wing position his own, supporting former loan striker Salomon Rondon in the attack.

However, with Benitez now in China and Bruce at the helm, Almiron looks set to play down the middle for the St James’ Park outfit.

Joelinton is now the club's new number nine and the duo combined well to cause problems during the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Almiron, a Paraguay international, says he felt comfortable and is confident Bruce will get the best out of him during the 2019/20 campaign.

He told NUTV: "I think this position the manager is asking me to play now is a position I feel very, very comfortable in - I like playing there.

"Gradually we are trying to build up an understanding between Joe and myself - he's a great player. I think that understanding will come on the field.

"Off the field, personally I’m feeling good as well in terms of how I've settled since I first got here, so hopefully that will help on the field."

Newcastle are under pressure to match last year’s 13th-placed finish and some fans are worried about their chances after Bruce’s arrival.

Regardless, Almiron will be hoping to form a formidable partnership with Joelinton and fellow summer signing Allan Saint-Maximin.

Bruce looks set to start Almiron in Saturday’s trip to Norwich City, while Saint-Maximin will be doing all he can to be given the nod. The Frenchman came off the bench against Arsenal and his pace caused the Gunners problems.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal eventually proved the difference at St James’ Park but Bruce will be confident his team showed enough quality throughout the 90 minutes.

Free transfer Andy Carroll watched the game from the stands and the former England international will be looking to prove his fitness as he looks to make an impact in the coming weeks.

After Saturday's meeting with Norwich, Newcastle then travel to Tottenham before welcoming Watford to the northeast.

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