In a season that is going extraordinarily well for Newcastle United, it is hard to believe that Allan Saint-Maximin has barely featured.
The Frenchman was the talisman under Steve Bruce. He was the only beacon of hope, and the tactics revolved around him. In truth, the plan was just to get the ball to him and hope he does something.
But Eddie Howe has made Newcastle more of a team, with the Magpies finding a way to win without Saint-Maximin. That was rarely the case under Howe’s predecessor.
The 25-year-old has endured a tough season, picking up a lengthy injury just as he was building up a bright run of form. He followed up a brilliant performance against Manchester City with a wondergoal versus Wolves.
That game at Molineux was on August 28th, and Maxi has not started a Premier League game since. In fact, he has only started one competitive game for the Magpies since then – the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace back in November.
With Newcastle playing so well, Saint-Maximin must be absolutely desperate to force his way back into the starting lineup. Now the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has provided some information on why the 25-year-old is not starting at the moment.
Chris Waugh on why Allan Saint-Maximin is not starting for Newcastle
The reporter took part in a Q&A on The Athletic’s website, and was asked about what is going on with Saint-Maximin.
“There has not, as far as I understand it, been the reported “bust-up” with Howe some have claimed,” Waugh wrote.
“The issue with Saint-Maximin, however, is that he is someone who requires careful management in a squad that mostly doesn’t need such a delicate approach. He has undoubtedly been given more leeway than others have been, though he has also been trying to listen to advice from Howe and the coaches.
“His lack of football recently is mainly three-pronged: firstly, he has struggled to regain full fitness following a series of injuries; secondly, he has not needed to be restored immediately as the team has been performing so well; thirdly, he is not trusted in a defensive sense as much as other players yet and needs to keep working on that side of his game.”
Saint-Maximin just needs a chance
As Waugh says, the main issue for ASM has been fitness and the form of others. It has taken him a long time to recover from a hamstring injury, then he missed the FA Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday because of illness.
In the past, there would have been a desperation to get him back into the starting lineup. However, that has not been necessary. Joelinton has been playing brilliantly on the left of attack, and got a goal and an assist in the Carabao Cup quarter final win over Leicester on Tuesday night.
With Howe’s side playing and functioning so well, there has been no need to thrust Saint-Maximin back into the starting XI.
The note on Howe not fully trusting Maxi is interesting, and it shows how important the team is as a whole. We have the best defensive record in the Premier League right now, and we are team that defends from the front.
However, that does not suit Saint-Maximin’s game. In the past, we have been able to cover up his defensive deficiencies. But now we don’t need to, as we have a way of playing without him.
All Saint-Maximin needs is a chance. Then he can have the opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting XI. That chance could come this weekend, as it is unclear whether Joelinton will be involved against Fulham.
The Brazilian has been charged with drink-driving and will appear in court at the end of January.
The incident could potentially lead to Joelinton losing his place in the side, and possibly open the door for Saint-Maximin to make his first start against August. If that is the case then he will be desperate to prove he is fit and that he can be trusted to thrive in this Champions League chasing side.
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