Newcastle United writer for The Athletic Chris Waugh recently discussed Newcastle’s latest fixtures, and, in particular, the performances of Allan Saint-Maximin in the games against Sheffield United and Aston Villa.
Since Premier League football returned last week from its unexpected hiatus, Newcastle United have faced both Sheffield United and Aston Villa, coming away with a 3-0 win and a 1-1 draw respectively.
Over the fixtures, Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin has impressed, particularly in the Sheffield United victory, in which he scored his side’s first goal and was named as the Man of the Match.
On the winger’s performances, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh recently claimed on the Pod On The Tyne podcast that he too has been impressed with the form of the Frenchman, as well as stating that he could have a big impact on Newcastle’s upcoming fixture against Manchester City.
He said: “The really big positive I think, from the last two games, has been Allan Saint-Maximin.
“What really impressed me about him was that whatever he did seemed to be more incisive. Rather than doing his tricks and flicks and running down blind alleys and trying to beat three men unnecessarily when he could just pass the ball, it looked like he was always trying to move the ball forward, to do something productive to have that effect.
“He looks lean, and if Newcastle are to have any chance against Manchester City, then Allan Saint-Maximin’s attacks are going to be crucial because whenever he gets the ball, you can see the opposition are worried.”
TIF Thoughts…
Although, since Saint-Maximin’s £16.2million move to Newcastle from OGC Nice last summer, the winger has managed just three Premier League goals, it would appear that Waugh feels like the 23-year-old is really beginning to hit his stride in the black and white of Newcastle.
Has Saint-Maximin been Newcastle United's player of the season?
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As Waugh also points out, he will likely need to be in fine form against Newcastle’s next opponents, Manchester City, if the club are to progress in the FA Cup, as Pep Guardiola’s side have been rampant since their return to action, beating Arsenal 3-0 and Burnley 5-0.