Paul Robinson has hailed Allan Saint-Maximin for his impact at Newcastle United this season, claiming he has been the Magpies’ “best player” so far this term.
The Frenchman starred again in the 3-2 victory over West Ham at the weekend, and ex-England stopper Robinson has been eager to sing his praises.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “He’s been their best player for me this year, Saint-Maximin.
“I’ve spoken about him for the last couple of weeks, I like him, I like what he is doing, I don’t think he’s been playing high enough up the pitch as Joelinton has been isolated at times but Almiron, Saint-Maximin and Joelinton seem to have clicked this week.
“They seemed to work as a front three, they interacted, their movement was good, and Joelinton had bodies around him so he could find passes.
“With Almiron and Saint-Maximin being higher up the pitch, it caused West Ham a lot of problems and Newcastle looked a lot better this week, they looked like the team Steve Bruce has wanted them to be.”
OPINION
It’s hard not to be impressed by Allan Saint-Maximin. After all, the Frenchman is a blur of fancy feet and Gucci headbands, and his natural style of play and undeniable charisma make him a massively eye-catching proposition. Injuries at the beginning of the campaign meant that he took a little while to get going in England, but he slowly getting up to speed, and his potential is frightening. The winger is averaging 5.7 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League so far this season, as per Whoscored. As a point of reference, Mo Salah has 1.5 per game, as per Whoscored. Saint-Maximin is a force of nature, and while he could still do with opening his account and improving his end product a little more, he has made a wonderful start to life in the north east. Long may it continue.
