Journalist Darren Lewis recently claimed on the TalkSport GameDay podcast that Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin might struggle to get back into the starting XI if he spends any time out of the team amid Alexander Isak’s signing.
The Magpies have started the 2022/23 Premier League season very strongly, as they sit seventh in the table after four games despite playing several sides who finished in the top half last season, including the champions.
A big reason for this success is down to their star-filled attack, with Callum Wilson picking up two goals in three and Saint-Maximin picking up a goal and two assists in four. They have also just added Swedish starlet Isak in a huge £63m move.
As a result of signing Isak and considering Saint-Maximin’s extensive injury history, Lewis believes it could be difficult for him to get back into the starting side.
Lewis told the GameDay podcast: “I don’t doubt that he’s a terrific player and it was a terrific goal and I think he would grace any team, probably outside the top four or six. He’s a terrific player, I just think that he does pick up the odd injury here and there.
“And if they managed to configure a team that can go on a little bit of a run without him in it, then it might leave him having to fight to get his place back in the team now that Isak has arrived, now that Wilson’s fit again and now that the confidence is back in the side.”
TIF Thoughts on Lewis’ comments…
Saint-Maximin has been one of Newcastle’s most popular players since he arrived from Nice back in 2019, and therefore dropping him even with the introduction of Isak feels like a longshot.
There is no doubt the club have bought in Isak to become a regular starter, but with Wilson’s horrific injury record, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was the one to make way for their new man rather than winger Saint-Maximin.
Eddie Howe could certainly switch up the formation to accompany both Wilson and Isak as a striking duo, but in this case, there is no reason why Saint-Maximin could not fill in as a shadow striker behind the two – a position he played last season.
Depth is going to be key to Newcastle this season if they are to continue their good form and push for Europe come the end of the season. Even if Howe switches up the formation, any of the three forwards could be used as an incredible impact sub, but it is hard to see how with his recent form and standing with the fans that Saint-Maximin is dropped.
Although, Lewis’ theory will be put to the test when the Frenchman next finds himself in the treatment room, which judging by his previous knocks, may not be too far away.
Will ASM continue to start after Isak signing?Yes
No
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