Frank Leboeuf claims what is stopping Saint-Maximin from leaving Newcastle for a better team

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Allan Saint-Maximin was the hero of the hour yesterday, as Newcastle United came from behind to beat Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Magpies relieved some of the pressure by beating the Clarets 2-1 in Lancashire.

Matej Vydra had given the hosts the lead in the first-half.

But Jacob Murphy equalised thanks to an assist from Saint-Maximin, before the Frenchman scored a stunning solo goal to win the game.

For a variety of reasons, £16.5 million signing Saint-Maximin (BBC Sport) has been limited to just 19 appearances this season, but his contributions against Burnley were a reminder of how talented a player he is.

There tends to be talk about the 24-year-old, when he plays well, whether or not he is ‘too good’ for Newcastle and if he could play for a better team/bigger club.

Speaking about that particular debate on ESPN’s YouTube channel, fellow countryman Frank Leboeuf said: “He’s a talented player. He’s shown that he’s capable of doing something for Newcastle.

“Maybe he’s not helped by his teammates. If nobody asked him to come over (from Nice) except Newcastle, maybe there is a reason why.

“He has to show more consistency, and he has to show more professionalism in order to convince other (bigger) clubs to sign him. He has the talent to play in a bigger club, that’s for sure.”

Leboeuf probably has a point

Saint-Maximin’s ability is in no doubt at this point.

He has proven many times that he can do amazing things on a football pitch, and always has the potential to be match-winner.

It probably is just about whether he can be a little more consistent in terms of his numbers.

At least if a ‘better’ team wanted to come in for Saint-Maximin, Newcastle would be able to demand a huge fee for him since he only signed a six-year deal last year.