Lee Ryder has been speaking on a video on The Chronicle’s Twitter page with Andrew Musgrove about all things relating to Newcastle United.
One of the topics that came up during the video was Allan Saint-Maximin and his recent displays for Newcastle.
The 23-year-old has moved from off the wing in the Toon’s last three games and has instead played centrally.
However, as of yet, he has not scored a goal or provided an assist from this new position.
In the game against Southampton, the Frenchman earned a rating of just 6.65, which apart from his dreadful display against Brighton & Hove Albion, was Saint-Maximin’s worst performance of the season in the Premier League.
So his recent form led Ryder to discuss what he thinks will get the best from Saint-Maximin, and it seems as if he thinks that Steve Bruce should just ask the 23-year-old who he wants to play with and where he wants to play, and that will get the best from him.
He said: “He’s a class player, and when he plays well, Newcastle play well.
“I don’t know what his preferred position is, but whatever it is, if I was head coach, I would be asking him what it was and what he needs around him to make it happen, because if Newcastle can play through him, then they’re going to do much better in a lot of games.”
Do you think Saint-Maximin should go back to the wing?
Yes, that is where we see the best of him
No, this new position will come good
TIF Thoughts on Saint-Maximin and Ryder’s idea…
Saint-Maximin has claimed that his favoured position is as a number ten, but it is clear that, so far, that is not really working, so maybe it is time to put him back on the wing?
Last season the 23-year-old played 23 games for the Toon on the left-wing in all competitions and scored three goals and provided four assists.
So, perhaps Bruce should put Saint-Maximin back on the wing to get the best from him.