Jamie Redknapp has heaped praise on Allan Saint-Maximin after the Frenchman playing a starring role in Newcastle United’s 3-2 win against West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Although Saint-Maximin, 22, failed to get on the scoresheet, the Magpies’ summer signing showcased his stunning pace and dribbling ability to cause West Ham problems all afternoon in the capital.
Redknapp has named Saint-Maximin in his team of the week for his display against the Hammers and claims that the ex-Nice attacker could be key for Steve Bruce in Newcastle’s fight for survival.
“Allan Saint-Maximin is an exciting talent and vital to Newcastle on the counter. Steve Bruce needed that pace,” said Redknapp on the Daily Mail website.
“I recall asking Bruce after their 0-0 draw with Brighton in September if keeping Newcastle up would be his biggest achievement as a manager.
“I still think it would be a great triumph, considering what Bruce walked into in the summer.”
OPINION
Saint-Maximin was outstanding against West Ham. He got fans off their seats with his superb runs against the home side’s defence and if his finishing and composure was a little bit better, he would have at least grabbed himself his first and second goals in English football. Saint-Maximin is yet to score or supply an assist for the Magpies but based on what he showed on Saturday, fans should not have to wait as long as Miguel Almiron has done to get something. Saint-Maximin’s finishing was a concern but when he was causing so many problems and goals were coming from other areas of the pitch, it does not matter that much. However there will be a game or two where he has the big opportunity to score a winning goal or an equaliser. Bruce will no doubt have the Frenchman working on his finishing in training over the coming days after squandering a couple of one on ones against Roberto.
