Newcastle can be delighted with Saint-Maximin progress after ‘risk’ claims

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Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has been a breath of fresh air for the Magpies this season.

The Frenchman joined last summer for a reported £16.5 million from Nice (BBC Sport), and his signing was given a mixed reception by fans.

Saint-Maximin had built up a reputation over in Ligue as being a maverick, and a showman.

It was thought he was flair player who could perhaps hold a candle to former Newcastle attacker Hatem Ben Arfa.

Those things have rung true, but something that hasn’t was the idea Saint-Maximin was a bit of a handful.

A feature written by GFFN before his move painted a picture of Saint-Maximin as being the kind of winger who cared only about his image.

The article included some worrying suggestions from Patrick Vieira about the player’s attitude and commitment to the cause.

It seemed as though the Saint-Maximin signing was a bit of a risk – but the player has allayed fears emphatically.

TBR’s view – Newcastle can be delighted with ASM progress

At the time of writing Saint-Maximin is a major fan favourite at St. James’ Park.

Never once, in his six months of being at the club, has he shown any signs he could become a problem player for Newcastle.

On the contrary, Saint-Maximin has been a model professional, endearing himself to supporters with his ever-improving ability on the pitch as well as his infectious personality off it.

His is building a solid rapport with the Geordie faithful, and those initial fears about his attitude and temperament now seem a very long time ago.

The maturing 22-year-old has been unlucky to have only scored two and assisted two so far, and when the end product inevitably improves, and his teammates around him, Newcastle’s £16.5 million is going to look a snip.