Steve Bruce lauds 'easy-to-coach' Newcastle United player

And Steve Bruce, without striker Callum Wilson for up to eight weeks, hopes that Almiron can maintain his new-found form between now and the end of the season after scoring three goals in the relegation-threatened club’s last four games.

Almiron, signed from Atlanta United in January 2019 in a deal worth up to £21million, netted twice in the club’s 3-2 win over Southampton.

The 27-year-old has been a far bigger influence in his favoured No.10 role since Bruce changed formation following the arrival of coach Graeme Jones late last month.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, head coach Bruce said: “He's been here a couple of years now, and it was a year before he scored his first goal, if you remember. I think he's played very, very well, of late, Miggy.

“As I've said many, many times now, my job would be easier if everybody was like Almiron. He's an absolute delight to coach, a delight to manage, works hard, gets stuck into it, great pro, great lad – and he deserves everything that comes his way.

“The change in system over the last few weeks has certainly benefitted Almiron, that's for sure, because he's been very, very good of late, so let's hope that can continue.”

Bruce was critical of Daniel Campos, Almiron’s agent, earlier this season after the player’s representative claimed that the Paraguay international would have left United last summer had it not been for the coronavirus pandemic.

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