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Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez must consider changing the position of Miguel Almiron in order to get the best out of the club's January signing.

The Chalkboard

Almiron has played in eight of Newcastle's nine Premier League matches since joining the Magpies from Atlanta United during the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has shown flashes of his talent, but has been unable to contribute a goal or an assist for Benitez's side thus far.

Against Crystal Palace on Saturday, the attacker was once again deployed on the left, but found it difficult to make his mark as Newcastle suffered a 1-0 loss.

According to WhoScored, Almiron had a pass success rate of 83% against the Eagles, in addition to contributing two shots.

That said, the 13-time Paraguay international only had one dribble, which is simply not enough when considering how impressive he is with the ball at his feet.

And Benitez must consider building his team around Almiron - potentially moving the South American into the number 10 position - in order to fully unleash the recent arrival.

Was the signing a mistake by Newcastle?

Newcastle broke their transfer record to sign Almiron from the MLS.

Whilst it has been a tough start for the attacker, there is absolutely no question that he is good enough to thrive in the Premier League.

Benitez must ensure that the majority of Almiron's work is coming in the final third, though, and that will mean taking away his defensive responsibilities.

In the 76th minute of Saturday's clash with Palace, he was seen in the left-back position tracking back before clearing down the field.

That should be someone else's job, though, and moving the January signing from the left into a central attacking position is seemingly the way forward.

Suggestions that Almiron has been an expensive mistake are wide of the mark and if Benitez makes the alteration then he should thrive at St James' Park.