Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin spoke to So Foot this week about his output as an attacker in the Premier League since he arrived.
The Magpies signed the Frenchman from OGC Nice in the summer of 2019 for £16.5 million (BBC). Saint-Maximin has been a fan favourite ever since and his performances have mostly been brilliant as well.
However, if there’s one criticism of the 25-year-old, it’s that he doesn’t quite boast the same numbers as other top players of his position in the Premier League – someone like Sadio Mane for example.
Saint-Maximin was asked about this and he boldly claimed that his goal contributions will look a lot different if Newcastle go out and sign a player who can finish off the chances he creates.
Allan Saint-Maximin: I will get 15 assists if Newcastle sign an elite finisher
The talented French winger, who only has five goals and four assists this season, was asked about his lack of direct goal contributions even though he’s a truly fantastic footballer.
Saint-Maximin said: “Those who have played with me know that in terms of pure quality.
“I have nothing to envy to Sadio Mané.
“The day that I will have a player capable of finishing move, I will have seasons with 10-15 assists, and I’m going to change the dimension in the minds of people.”
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If you just watch Saint-Maximin play, you’d be convinced that his numbers would look phenomenal. However, it just hasn’t been the case since his move to Newcastle.
In 90 appearances for the Magpies, he has only managed 12 goals and 15 assists. That simply does not do justice to his performances, which have mostly been fantastic.
Playing alongside a better striker will definitely help Saint-Maximin going forward. He may well get the 10-15 assists per season he’s talking about, but he’ll have to improve his goal tally as well.
A lot is expected of Newcastle in the upcoming summer transfer window, and Saint-Maximin, along with every Magpies fan, will be hoping PIF can go out and sign a world-class forward for next season.
