It’s been a long time since Allan Saint-Maximin scored a goal for Newcastle United.
The Frenchman hasn’t found the net since January, getting the Magpies’ only goal of the game in a 1-1 draw with Watford.
That was the last time he scored, and he currently boasts a tally of five Premier League goals this season. That makes him our second top scorer behind Callum Wilson.
Interestingly, this is his best goalscoring season since joining the club.
However, one of his teammates believes he should be finding the net more regularly – although it’s not entirely ASM’s fault.
Dan Burn believes Allan Saint-Maximin could hit double figures for Newcastle
Dan Burn was interviewed alongside Ryan Fraser by Sky Sports, and the duo discussed their headband-donning teammate.
“I just wish we could get him in forward positions more,” Burn said.
“He always seems to get the ball where he’s got to take on six or seven lads to create something. We want to get him in positions where he’s one-on-one with the left-back or stuff like that, because he’s very effective. He could easily get 15-20 goals a season.”
There’s no doubting Saint-Maximin’s natural ability, but his end product has always been questioned. Given the way he can take on players and create space, he should be scoring more goals and providing more assists.
But, as Burn says, that could be down to the areas he’s getting the ball.
The January signing wasn’t blaming Saint-Maximin for his lack of goals. If anything he put the onus on himself and the other players to get Newcastle higher up the pitch.
That’s where we can get more from Saint-Maximin. If he’s constantly getting the ball in the final third, he’s more likely to create a chance for himself or a teammate.
However, he often has to pick up possession deep. That’s where his insane dribbling can really get us up the pitch. It’s an incredible asset, but not one that is reflected by the stats.
Saint-Maximin is already a fan favourite, but he would be adored even more if he was able to hit double figures.
He’s never done it in his career so far, but Burn believes it’s possible.
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