This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Allan Saint-Maximin showed exactly what he has to offer Newcastle against West Ham on Saturday, though there is a sense that there is still work for him to do to become an all-round effective star.
It is fair to say that the Newcastle front-three have taken their time to gel this season. They still only have one league goal between them but there is a growing sense that they are starting to come together to produce match-winning moments for their team.
Having said that, all three of the Magpies’ goals on Saturday came as a result of set-pieces, though Saint-Maximin was guilty of missing two brilliant chances in the first half.
The winger has shown this term that his pace, like Miguel Almiron’s, will be an asset for his side this year, and if he can add the finishing touch then he will become a very effective outlet for Steve Bruce’s side.
In that sense it is a shame that he shares another trait with the Paraguay international – an inability to finish chances.
Played through in the first half by Jonjo Shelvey, he had all the time in the world to pick his spot, but Roberto matched his effort, and in a later chance he made the bewildering decision to pass across goal when he only had Felipe Anderson on the goal line to beat.
Despite that, it was an impressive showing from the 23-year-old, and if he produces such a display on a consistent basis then he will repay the £16.5m spent on him.
As per SofaScore, his dribbling is his best asset, and if given time and space on the flank he can be a thorn in the side of most teams.
He showed his ability to turn and run with the ball in a dangerous fashion for the goal against Manchester United a few weeks ago, so once he builds up an understanding with Joelinton and the midfield, he should start to produce in the final third.
Another aspect of his play which is likely to win over both fans and his manager is his tenacity, demonstrated by him winning seven out of the ten ground duels he faced against West Ham.
That is important to Bruce’s defensive style as it allows the Magpies to defend from the front, and if he can win the ball and attack the opposition then that could be a source of great strength for Newcastle.
The Frenchman seems to be getting better game by game and shows the confidence to take the game to the opponent in a direct style, and that means he could become very valuable as the season progresses, particularly if he improves his finishing.
