Eddie Howe has revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin is in a “really good place” ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season – but hopes to see the Frenchman improve “physically.”
The boss has explained how this formed part of his “big message” to the winger, urging him to work harder off the ball – not just defensively, but in his desire to make better runs and get into goal-scoring positions in the box.
We all know ASM runs faster with the ball than he does when asked to sprint back in the other direction, however it’s right of Howe to demand more movement. Saint-Maximin can dribble past his man for fun, but there’s no doubt his numbers – when it comes to goals and assists – have been held back by a lack of goal-scoring instinct.
As a result, it’s easy to see why he’s been “pushed physically” over pre-season, as a fitter, hungrier and more elusive Allan Saint-Maximin has the potential to be devastating at any level.
Speaking to The Mail’s Craig Hope following the culmination of our pre-season training camp in Austria, here’s what Howe had to say:
“We’ve worked really hard with Maxi during pre-season. He’s in a really good place, I think.
“He looks happy. He’s trained well. He’s delivered everything that we’ve asked him to deliver.
“We’ve pushed him physically. He’s responded. So, I’m hoping for a very, very good season.’
“My big message to him at the end of last season was, physically, we need to try and get more.
“And that’s in every area of his game – so that’s more forward runs, getting in more goal-scoring positions.
“Obviously, he’s devastating when one v one. I wouldn’t say there’s a better player one-v-one, from an attacking perspective, than Maxi in world football. So, we need to get him the ball more in better areas.
“But the expectation of Maxi is that he’s got to be able to deliver the physical effort that I want the team to deliver.
“So, there’s been a lot of individual work towards that. I’m expecting a great season from him.”
St Max and Miggy both getting stick for their assist figures and there’s no question both need to improve them. That said, for the majority of last season both created chances and both put in telling balls across the goal only for nobody to be there to finish them off..
Wgere I sit in the ground I get a great view of the Leazes goal from corner flag to corner flag. Time and again great balls, whizzed across the goal where a truly natural striker would be to tap them in..
Hearing Eddie say he might gamble on keeping Wilson fit scares me to death. One bad challenge and we’re totally dependent on Wood. He may have been a decent striker once, but those days are long gone.
I’m still assuming the backroom boys have players lined up as first second and third options have passed us by. I’d love Gabigol who thinks like a striker and has a cool finish. I’m confident we’ll get someone. But if we end up relying on Wood – no disrespect to his career – but the season will be a struggle to finish mid table. We can’t go backwards. Not now after all that hard work. Here’s hoping for a pleasant surprise before the window closes.
Bobbybee(Quote)