Newcastle United have a star in the making in Trevan Sanusi.
The 17-year-old was exceptional during pre-season for Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe giving the teenager plenty of opportunities to impress at senior level.
Trevan Sanusi certainly took them, with Toon fans excited to see what the future holds for the talented winger.
Howe was impressed with Sanusi during pre-season, as he danced past opponents with his skill and imagination. He looked unfazed by the step up to senior football, and there is clearly so much more to come.
Trevan Sanusi dazzles Newcastle fans like Allan Saint-Maximin used to
Sanusi is the type of player that fans love to watch, while the comparisons to Allan Saint-Maximin were inevitable.
Saint-Maximin was a talisman for Newcastle United, and a fan favourite. His style of play immediately made him extremely popular on Tyneside, while he became Steve Bruce’s go-to guy during a tough period for the team.
When Bruce was in charge, everything good about Newcastle United went through Saint-Maximin.
Sadly, he has left St James’ Park now. The Magpies sold him to Al Ahli last year, despite Eddie Howe wanting to keep Saint-Maximin. Unfortunately, he had to be sold for financial reasons, and is now on loan at Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Back at Newcastle, the hope is that Sanusi is Saint-Maximin 2.0.
Sanusi responds to Saint-Maximin comparisons
Now Sanusi has responded to the comparisons, and has told Newcastle World what he really thinks about being likened to the former Toon winger.
“I’ve seen that,” he said.
“Saint-Maximin is a great player who I obviously watched before I even came [to the club]. I saw him just before he left and I see a bit of similarities between me and him, a bit skilful but I’m just trying to be myself and get more goals and assists.
“I’m just trying my best. It’s nice to see the crowd get a little bit hyped when I do a bit of skill but I’m just doing my thing. I’m not really worried about the fans but obviously if I’m doing well the fans will back that up.”
The first Sanusi rather than the second Saint-Maximin
The comparisons are understandable, but Sanusi is right to focus on just being himself.
Sanusi is eager to add more goals and assists to his game, which is arguably something that Saint-Maximin did not provide enough of during his time as a Newcastle United player.
The Frenchman played 124 times for the Magpies, scoring 13 goals and providing 21 assists. Those are numbers that Sanusi will hope to eclipse on Tyneside, as he aims to make the step up to the first-team in the coming years.
He will be eager for an opportunity, but may have to bide his time. Newcastle currently have Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron who can play out wide, and are keen to sign one more winger before the transfer window closes on August 30th.
A new arrival would push Sanusi further down the pecking order, but that will not impact his position at the club. Howe has said that Newcastle will not loan Sanusi out this season, as he gets set to continue his development in the North East.
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