Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira hailed Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of his side’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City on Saturday.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
Palace, who beat City at the Etihad Stadium last season, ran Pep Guardiola’s side close again on Saturday by racing into a two-goal lead before a second-half comeback.
That came six days after Saint-Maximin helped Newcastle claim a huge point against City. After struggling to wholly convince under Eddie Howe, doubt had been cast on the Frenchman’s future, although performances like the one on Sunday offer a timely reminder of his quality.
Time and time again, the 25-year-old tore the Premier League champions apart, setting up both goals and winning the free-kick from which Kieran Trippier scored Newcastle’s third goal.
What did Vieira say about Saint-Maximin?
Speaking in an interview with Palace’s in-house media channel, Vieira said: “Newcastle of course had a terrific game against City. To get a result or performance or win games against City you have to be 9/10 or 10/10 collectively.
“We talk about individuals to make a difference but you need a collective performance. Everyone needs to defend well and Saint-Maximin did it well against City. We need a performance, that will allow us to get a result.”
What has Vieira previously said of Saint-Maximin?
Interestingly, it was Vieira who had previously criticised Saint-Maximin.
In charge of the winger during his time with Nice, the Arsenal legend said to Canal Football Club in 2019 (via GFFN): “Allan’s problem is that sadly he thinks that talent is enough to go to the highest level. And he needs to understand that he needs to work, to make sacrifices. He needs to suffer. And sadly, he has not yet understood that.”
