Scout Report – Miguel Almiron
Arsenal are monitoring the progress of 23-year old Miguel Almiron, who plays for Major League Soccer side Atlanta United, according to reports from Calciomercato.
The report claims that the Gunners are not the only ones watching the midfielder, as Serie A giants Inter Milan too are keeping a watchful eye on the player, who played a vital role for the club, who have been the surprise package in the MLS this season. There had been reports of Arsenal wanting to sign the playmaker back in the summer of 2016, but a move never materialised.
However, with both Arsenal and the Nerrazzuri eyeing the Paraguayan midfielder, let’s take a close look at who Miguel Almiron really is and what he will bring to the table.
Footballing Background
Born on 10 February 1994, in Asuncion, Paraguay, Almiron started off his footballing career with Club Cerro Porteno in 2008, after a trial with Club Nacional. Having risen through the ranks at the academy and the youth sides, the midfielder broke into the senior side in 2013, making his debut against Deportivo Capiata in March.
Almiron made 39 appearances for Porteno in which he scored 6 goals before moving to join Argentine club CA Lanus in August 2015. A year later, he won the Argentine league title with his new club, making an important contribution in the triumph. Having made 44 appearances with 5 goals to his name, the midfielder was signed by MLS side Atlanta United in December 2016, ahead of the 2017 season.
Almiron made a huge impression in his first season with the American outfit, finishing the campaign with 9 goals and 8 assists in 29 MLS games and also featured for the MLS All-Stars side.
Almiron has represented the Paraguay U-20 side that finished second in the 2013 South American Championship and was also a part of the nation’s side for the FIFA U-20 World Cup held the same year. He broke into the Paraguayan senior team in 2015, and till date has 10 senior caps to his name.
Style of Play
A versatile customer, Almiron has been used in a number of roles throughout his career, be it in the wide areas, or as a centre forward on occasions. However, his best performances have come from a central attacking midfield role in which he starred brilliantly for Atlanta this past campaign.
Blessed with great technique and a sharp eye for a pass, the Paraguayan is adept at linking up play in the attacking third with great ease and seems to be a step ahead of the opposition on most occasions. Able to hit killer through balls in behind the backline, or pinpoint crosses from out wide, Almiron is someone who creates a huge number of chances for his teammates.
A very good dribbler of the ball, the 23-year old also has a penchant to have a go at goal and possesses the requisite finishing abilities as well, as indicated by his goal-return this season for Atlanta. Diminutive in stature, he might not come out on top in physical battles, but Almiron is never shy of putting in his defensive shift.
What Does the Future Hold?
Arsenal have had a look at Almiron before and his exploits with Atlanta this term will have made them more eager to consider signinh him. With the future of Mesut Ozil hanging in the air and Santi Cazorla’s never-ending injury woes, a playmaker of the ilk of the 23-year old could be a welcome addition to the squad. He might not be the biggest star as of yet, but with the right platform, he has the skillset to achieve great heights.