Paul Merson has praised Allan Saint-Maximin for his recent purple patch of form, backing the Frenchman to become a “top player” – even if he did remind up of the old Adama Traore earlier in the season.
The Sky pundit was discussing Saint-Maximin’s recent performances on Gillette Soccer Saturday and it’s fair to say he’s been impressed, believing he’s went from strength to strength as the season’s gone on and become the “absolutely perfect” player for NUFC.
Since the Premier League’s “Project Restart”, Saint-Maximin has been by far our most influential player, scoring one, assisting three and being the spearhead of most of our attacks – something that’s seen him be nominated for the Premier League player of the month award as a result.
Here’s what Merson said about ASM in full:
“I think he has got better.
“He reminded me of (Adama) Traore a couple of years ago. He would be 100 mile an hour but didn’t calm down or relax when he got into a certain position.
“As the season has gone on I think this lad has been absolutely brilliant.
“He has got pace, he gets his head up, he brings people into the game and he is an absolute find.
“The advantage you have is teams have a go at Newcastle and when they come and have a go when they have that pace on the counter attack then he is absolutely perfect.
“The lad is improving week in and week out and I think this lad is going to be a top player.”
Saint-Maximin’s game appears to have gone up a level since the coronavirus outbreak, with Bruce commenting recently that lockdown has benefitted the winger by helping him have the ‘pre-season’ he never had prior to his £16.5m arrival last summer.
His wild, mazy and marauding runs are finally being met with a consistent level of end-product, and it hasn’t been long for his five-star performances to attract speculation about a possible move away in the media.
While still just 23 and having only been on Tyneside a year, a move to a bigger club may seem futile at this stage of his career. If the takeover is completed, his own career may very well coincide with the rebirth of our own successes.
Let’s hope he can keep up the good form and remain a Mag for many years to come in a post-takeover world!
I’d agree, he is a talent, will definitely improve, seems pointless to move to a bigger club as he needs to develope, with the stadium and fans Newcastle have it seems the best option for him to stay.
leslie(Quote)