Since November 21st 2020, Allan Saint-Maximin hasn’t started a single game for Newcastle United.
The mercurial winger missed 11 games following the COVID outbreak at the club, with Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles feeling the effects of long-COVID.
However, the Frenchman is now back and action, and has appeared off the bench in each of Newcastle last four games.
The Magpies have picked up three points in that period – the impressive 2-0 win over Everton.
ASM’s talents are wasted coming off the bench
Other than the victory at Goodison Park, Saint-Maximin’s impact off the bench has been limited.
He’s injected pace and invention to a struggling forward line, but his arrival has often come too late in the day. Plus, the tactic of ‘give the ball to Allan all the time’ is yet to pay dividends.
The defeat against Crystal Palace proved to be another disappointing night for Steve Bruce, who saw his side dominate the ball in the second half without really threatening an equaliser.
By the time Saint-Maximin came on in the 63rd minute, Palace were set up perfectly to frustrate a toothless attack. Every time he got the ball, he was surrounded by red and blue shirts, unable to create an opportunity for his teammates.
Newcastle need Saint-Maximin to take the game to Southampton
Newcastle face a different challenge on Saturday – taking on a depleted and bruised Southampton side on the back of another 9-0 pasting.
Bruce’s side will need to start fast and take the early advantage – which is why Saint-Maximin must start.
The 23-year-old needs space to run into – a luxury he hasn’t been afforded off the bench.
While he might not be able to play a full 90 minutes, Bruce would be better served starting Saint-Maximin instead of saving him for when things are going wrong.
Even if he only plays at hour, Bruce must bring ASM into the starting XI.
Southampton are the walking wounded heading to St James’ Park on Saturday, and we need to prove the Everton win wasn’t a fluke.
Saint-Maximin has to return to the starting line up if there’s to be any chance of victory.
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