Clinton Morrison has hailed Allan Saint-Maximin for being the “best player on the pitch” in Newcastle United’s 3-2 win against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Saint-Maximin, 22, had several chances to get himself on the scoresheet for the first time in English football but on a couple of occasions he managed to beat the home side’s defence, he struggled to fire a decent shot at goal.
Sky Sports pundit Morrison was impressed with what he saw from the Frenchman but says that the ex-Nice ace needs to improve his form inside the penalty area.
“Saint-Maximin has been the best player on the pitch by a country mile, Jeff,” said Morrison on Sky Sports News on Saturday afternoon.”
“He’s so direct, he wants to take everyone on but he needs to work on his finishing.”
OPINION
Saint-Maximin tore West Ham apart in the first half on Saturday. He showed some great dribbling technique, great awareness and killer pace to get in behind the Hammers’ back-line and have a couple of shots on goal at Roberto. Unfortunately, Saint-Maximin’s finishing did let him down at the London Stadium and luckily Newcastle were able to score three goals from other chances. But, the Frenchman could really have put the Magpies three or four goals ahead by half time if he was more clinical. Roberto had a shocker in the West Ham goal so Saint-Maximin needs to take his chances against goalkeepers who are not that great. He’s unlikely to get as many clearcut chances in one game this season than he did at West Ham, so he will no doubt be kicking himself for that. Saint-Maximin’s wait for a first goal or assist goes on after Saturday but surely, from what we have seen so far, it won’t be too long before his dry spell comes to an end.
