Saint-Maximin matches Messi record & the rare Joe Willock stat everyone’s just missed

Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United wasn’t a classic, but there were two in black and white who shone in front of the 10,000 crowd at St James’ Park – Allan Saint-Maximin and Joe Willock.

The Frenchman was forced off in the second half, however the statisticians at WhoScored have revealed that he completed a quite incredible 15 dribbles during the game.

This equals the record set across all of Europe’s top five leagues for 2020/21 by none other than Lionel Messi – and is made all the more impressive given he was forced off with 25 minutes remaining!

Elsewhere, Joe Willock did more than just become the youngest player in Premier League history to score in six consecutive games, as his outstanding passing stats went under the radar.

As we discovered on WhoScored.com, the 21-year-old completed 100% of his passes against the Blades – which shows what a quality operator he is when he rarely went backwards with the ball and constantly made driving runs to cut open Sheffield United’s midfield.

I’ve not seen it mentioned once since Wednesday, but that’s some stat and one that shows what a top all around performance he put in.

As for Saint-Maximin, only Adama Traore (16 dribbles vs Watford in January 2020) has completed more take-ons in a single Premier League game over the past 11 years – meaning he could’ve easily set a new record had he stayed on the pitch for the full 90.

Two superb young talent who we must do everything in our power to keep over the coming years.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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