Copa America: 5 players who could become superstars after the tournament

#4 Miguel Almiron

Colombia v Paraguay: Group A - Copa America Centenario

Miguel Almiron’s record breaking €24m move from Atlanta United to Newcastle United is a monumental step in the growth of both Major League Soccer as a competition and football as a sport in the United States. Yet, the Paraguayan winger continues to remain an unfamiliar commodity in England and throughout the world. In the Premier League, this lack of recognition stems from the fact that Almiron put pen to paper in January and has only started 8 matches for the Magpies. Naturally, the transition in terms of playing in one of the toughest leagues in the world is not seamless for anyone and the Paraguayan is yet to register a goal or an assist.

Despite Almiron’s initial struggles, the Magpies supporters are well aware of his stunning displays for The Five Stripes. In his 2 seasons at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 25-year old has lit up proceedings in the MLS with 20 goals and 19 assists. He is capable of the spectacular as he showcased with his darting run to score a winner against Columbus Crew and simultaneously, Almiron is a grafter who has no qualms about tracking back as well as pressing high from the front.

Despite not being the most physically imposing specimen with a wiry frame and standing at 5’9", Almiron is certainly down for the dogfight that will make him crucial for Paraguay at the Copa America. Grouped alongside 2 of the tournament favorites in Argentina and Colombia, it is players such as Almiron who will fight for the cause in both halves of the pitch that can bring the cliché, “stranger things have happened in football” to life.