Former Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron has seen his share of turbulence during a year of transition at Newcastle United.
But on Saturday, his persistence was rewarded with his first assist for the club, a contribution that helped the side earn a huge point against defending league champions Manchester City in a 2-2 draw.
After his winter sale to Newcastle following Atlanta's 2018 MLS Cup title run, Almiron's immediate contributions were lauded on Tyneside. However, the new season — under new manager Steve Bruce — has proven more difficult for the Paraguayan international.
Perhaps Saturday will be a turning point, with Almiron playing a slick give-and-go to set up Jetro Willems' first-half leveler. He also earned a late free kick, which resulted in this stunner of a set-piece equalizer:
Despite previously struggling to make a direct contribution on the scoresheet, Almiron has contributed enough in other ways to start every league match for Bruce's side this season.
Also of note, US national team fullback and former Seattle Sounders standout DeAndre Yedlin missed out for Steve Bruce's side with a hip injury.
