The long-awaited home debut of new signing Miguel Almiron on Saturday would certainly have left Newcastle United fans optimistic and excited about the potential heights the player can achieve under the watchful eye of Rafa Benitez.

Almiron started on the left wing against Huddersfield Town with Christian Atsu dropping to bench as Benitez opted for a four-man midfield, with Salomon Rondon leading the line.

But, the former MLS star soon showed why the Magpies broke the bank for his signature when he almost opened the scoring the 12th minute.

Almiron was put in on goal by a brilliant Isaac Hayden pass, leaving him one-on-one with goalkeeper Jonas Lossl after sprinting away from the Terriers' defenders. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old hit the woodwork, but it was an early sign to the Newcastle faithful of what he is capable of.

Almiron came close again in the 30th minute of the match after silky footwork left him in space on the left edge of the box before he unleashed a shot which was cleared of the line by the visitors.

Overall, the Paraguayan proved just why he's the type of player the Magpies have been longing for with his direct style of play and ability to drive forward with pace and skill.

He also showed on Saturday what a hardworking player he is on the field and the distance he covered both in attack and while tracking back should be really pleasing for Benitez.

Despite it being Huddersfield, the whole Newcastle team looked confident from the very first minute to the full-time whistle, because of the energy that Almiron brought to the team.

For the first time in years, Newcastle now have a player who can cause proper problems to opposition teams because of the threat he poses with his pace and acceleration.

Opponents will now constantly have to monitor his movement on the pitch by not giving him space to run into, otherwise he will punish you.

So, it appears as if Ashley's summer splurge has provided Newcastle United with a potential St James' Park hero, as the South American is already showing promising signs.