Silent Assassin: How Miguel de la Fuente is Fueling Almería's Promotion Push
The January loan signing from Leganés has transformed Almería's attack with his modern forward play, becoming the missing puzzle piece in their promotion charge.
A January loan arrival changing the trajectory of a promotion campaign? That’s exactly what Miguel de la Fuente is doing at Almería, with the 26-year-old striker from Valladolid turning into the missing piece of Rubi’s promotion puzzle.
Immediate Impact
Since joining on loan from Leganés in mid-January, de la Fuente has wasted no time making his presence felt. In just five appearances, he’s notched one goal and two assists - but those basic stats barely scratch the surface of his influence.
What makes the Tudela de Duero native special isn’t just his finishing ability. He’s the complete modern forward package:
- Drops deep to receive the ball
- Excels with his back to goal
- Pins centre-backs
- Initiates the press from the front
- Creates space for teammates
Against Andorra, he contested a match-high fourteen duels, constantly threatening the opposition box and proving a proper nightmare for defenders. “I’m a forward who never lacks for work rate,” he explained after scoring an absolute pearler in that match.
The Missing Link
Rubi’s been crying out for this profile - a striker who doesn’t just finish moves but orchestrates and enhances the entire attacking flow. His performance at Nuevo Mirandilla against Cádiz was a tactical masterclass, perfectly using his body to win position before delivering a textbook assist to Arribas for the opener.
The connection with Arribas has been instant (two assists in two games), but he’s also clicking brilliantly with Morcillo and Embarba. De la Fuente distributes, offloads, and then reappears in dangerous areas - he’s the cog that makes the whole machine work.
By the Numbers
The stats back up what the eyes are seeing:
- Draws more fouls per match (2.78) than any other striker in Segunda División - even more than Yeremay Hernández
- Ranks second among forwards for chance creation ratio
- Sits in the Top-5 for chance creation among ALL players in the league
- Outperforms notable attackers like Jefté Betancor (Albacete) and Adrián Fuentes (Córdoba)
Promotion Belief Returns
After a disastrous December and January, Almería are back on track with three consecutive wins - something they hadn’t achieved since November. The dressing room has embraced their new attacking talisman’s mentality: “Victories come from teamwork… Our objective is promotion to Primera, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
With ambition, work rate, and instant impact, de la Fuente has landed on his feet in Almería. Worth noting is that the club secured a non-obligatory purchase option of €1.5 million for the striker - which at this rate looks like it could be a right bobby dazzler of a deal.