Miguel Almiron enjoying time in Atlanta, still has European aspirations

Miguel Almiron is having a career year up to this point. The Paraguayan playmaker has six goals and five assists in just eleven appearances this season, good enough for third and fourth best respectively in MLS. Since joining Atlanta United in 2017, Almiron has racked up fifteen goals and nineteen assists in 41 appearances. One can argue that his best attribute is his defensive workrate. It’s much tougher to see this translate onto a stat sheet, but Almiron’s ability to track back and intercept opposing passes in order to spring a counterattack has become a staple of his play.

All these qualities that continue to build his 2018 MVP résumé are why European teams are reportedly showing interest. Almiron told reporters on Wednesday that he’s taking in life with the MLS club while he can before making the leap to his ultimate desire.

“I’m just trying to enjoy my time in Atlanta to the fullest, but as I’ve said before, my goal is still to get to Europe.”

Although it may sound like the 24-year-old has his mind elsewhere, Almiron insists that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It’s not a distraction. I don’t think about it. I just work hard every day until the time comes.”

Eventually, that time is certainly going to come. For now, Almiron and Atlanta United are chasing trophies. Let’s enjoy him while we can.