We all know what a capable player Allan Saint-Maximin is when he wants to be.
He has pace to burn, scintillating skill and is without doubt one of the best dribblers in the Premier League, but he sometimes struggles with the basics.
This has frustrated some Toon fans, as he often makes the difficult stuff look easy yet fails to do the basics, however I believe we saw a host of hugely positive signs from the enigmatic Frenchman during Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest.
First off, I picked up on his much-improved movement. Howe revealed over pre-season that he’s been pushing him to improve his off-the-ball movement, urging him to get into better attacking positions. This is why so many wingers are now referred to as inside forwards, as the likes of Salah, Mane, Son and Sterling get a huge number of goals from being that fox in the box or arriving late at the back post. Saint-Maximin has a long way to go and must deliver this consistently, but I thought it was quite telling – and a sign of him listening to Howe’s advice – the way he darted to the near post and very nearly headed home a Miguel Almiron cross in the 27th minute on Saturday.
Secondly, I felt he worked much harder and looked fitter. He joined the press, making sure Neco Williams wasn’t allowed to play an easy ball out from the back. They rarely had us on the back foot enough for him to help out Matt Targett, however, I noticed in that final friendly against Athletic Bilbao that he often came back to help out Paul Dummett. OK, it wasn’t the sort of non-stop running we’ve seen from the likes of Jonas Gutierrez or Matt Ritchie over the years, but we’ve seen encouraging signs in this department, with this a part of his game that must be maintained to fit into Howe’s high-energy and demanding style of play.
Last but certainly not least, the former Nice star was releasing the ball at the right time against Forest. He was still causing havoc and running rings around those in Red, but he was getting his head up and playing the right pass quickly – not heading into cul-de-sacs or trying to do too much. For example, it was good to see him spot Joelinton’s overlapping run for Wilson’s goal and release the ball at the perfect time for the Brazilian. Doing that kept the move flowing and led to a key moment in the game, yet some would’ve expected him to cut in on his right and run into trouble.
No one in the Premier League carried the ball further than him over the weekend (376 yards), yet he mixed that with hard work, much improved movement and a show of superior maturity while in possession.
We often drool over the Frenchman when he finishes the game with a record number of dribbles, makes the opposition right-back look silly or scores a stunning solo goal, but Saturday was even more encouraging for me, as we saw a big talent showing signs of personal development and consistently buying into what’s expected of the team.
Do all of the above on a consistent basis and I genuinely believe our maverick man can be a huge part of Howe’s plans and live up to his frightening potential at Newcastle United.
He can be positioned anywhere you want him, and he can make as many runs as you ask him to, but to get the ball into the net he needs to to be able to stay upright long enough to get a shot in.
Not so much a fox in the box – he’s usually a hound on the ground.
Then of course he needs to be able to shoot. Which he can’t.
How many times does he cut inside on the edge of the box, run square past 2 players then blast it past the left post.
He’s the epitome of a one trick pony.
Freddd(Quote)
Agreed, loads of flash and tricks. But very little end product.
Stephen(Quote)
Fredd, you are the epitome of a clueless lunatic. And Stephen, you’re no better. Last season, ASM contributed more than Almiron, Frazer and Murphy — who all seem to dodge the flack — combined. And he’ll do the same this season, guaranteed. But you’ll still give him stick. The fella just can’t win, no matter what he does.
Bob(Quote)
Seems you lads have a pretty closed-off view on ASM and didn’t read the article?
He has to show consistency, but he showed signs of real improvement in a host of key areas on Saturday.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I agree Olly. People have short memories. ASM is one of the most talented dribblers on the planet, he’s adding to that with better movement and hard work to press the opposition and support his fullback, and yet some people whine on as if he should be playing like Messi every week.
We bought ASM for a reasonable fee £16.5m, (£20 with add ons) and his value has more than doubled, so he’s doing something right!
Eddie Howe has only been in the job for 9 months. Maxi has had injuries and played a certain way for his time here. Give the lad a chance, on his day he’s unplayable. We may not even be in the Premier league if it wasn’t for him and his goal contributions.
Silva77(Quote)