Benitez makes brilliant Almiron admission - "From talking to the lad, you can tell.."
Rafa Benitez has spoken out following the announcement of club record signing Miguel Almiron - believing we have finally signed a player with 'pace' who can deliver 'goals AND assists'.
Rafa has also revealed just how focused and hungry is to do well, believing he could see this straight away after talking to the player today.
It's been reported for months on end that the Paraguayan playmaker was Rafa's top target heading into the January window, and not only has he now got his man, we have FINALLY broken our 14-year-old club record fee - with Almiron's £21m arrival smashing the £17m deal that saw Michael Owen sign in 2005.
Here's what Rafa's had to say after Almiron's move was announced in the last few moments:
"We were following Miguel Almirón for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.
"We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need.
"From talking to the lad, you can tell that he is really focussed and wants to do well. He wants to be successful and he wants to help the team, to score goals and give assists if it is possible.
"His impact in MLS has been really good - he's been one of the best players this year - and hopefully he can give us more competition and more quality in the final third.
"I am pleased that the hard work behind the scenes has ended positively and I thank everyone for their efforts."
A monunemtal moment for the club and a step in the right direction both on and off the pitch - even if we did leave it worryingly late!
Almiron is an unknown quantity in Europe's top leagues, but he comes with a huge amount of praise and respect from just about every person you could possibly speak to in and around the MLS.
An exciting talent, but also a player with a great attitude and work ethic.
Welcome to the club Miguel!
