This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Burnley’s Dwight Gayle and the fact that they want a winger is a bad sign for Miguel Almiron and his status in the squad.
On the chalkboard
McNeil has impressed ever since breaking into the Clarets’ side, adding five goal contributions this term to the eight he registered in 2018/19. He is certainly a player Steve Bruce will watch out for this weekend, and that means Newcastle’s interest should be welcomed.
Almiron, on the other hand, lacks quality in comparison to the 20-year-old, and although he works hard for his team and provides a different option, he needs to buck up his ideas soon.
Injury to Allan Saint-Maximin has increased the weight of responsibility on his shoulders to deliver in the final third, but he only has one assist and zero goals in almost a year at the club so it is unlikely that he will deliver the standard required.
As a result, Newcastle could struggle for goals, starting this weekend, but registering interest in other players could have a positive effect on the Paraguay international by providing an incentive for him to improve.
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Needs to impress
Almiron’s return in the attacking final third simply isn’t good enough for a player who was, at the time, a record signing for the Magpies after signing for £20m, and it makes sense that Newcastle are looking at potential recruits.
McNeil presents value for money as he is only 20 and valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, yet has managed one goal and four assists this campaign, and would be ideal for Andy Carroll or Joelinton.
His crossing is exactly what those two would thrive off, having averaged 1.8 successful crosses per game. Almiron, by contrast, has averaged just 0.1 completed crosses per game in 2019/20, and therefore offers very little other than his energy and hard work.
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The Burnley youngster joining would put Almiron’s position under threat due to the form of Saint-Maximin, as Almiron simply can’t compare to the Frenchman’s return of 4.5 successful dribbles this season.
The lack of strength in depth out wide, particularly with Matt Ritchie out long-term, means Newcastle are right to register interest in a player like McNeil, and they should pursue such a move until Almiron can prove he can provide a goal threat on a consistent basis.
Meanwhile, Bruce will be hoping that another of his players begins to step up to the plate against Burnley, and if he does he could become the new first-choice in his position.