John Barnes has suggested that Allan Saint-Maximin's 'maverick' style doesn't suit Newcastle United under Eddie Howe.
Saint-Maximin was arguably Newcastle's most important player during their struggles under Steve Bruce, but has fallen down the pecking order at St James' Park in recent months.
The Frenchman scored once and registered two assists in his opening four league appearances, before two separate muscle injuries saw him miss the best part of two months.
Howe has been reluctant to reintroduce him into the starting XI following his injury troubles, although Saint-Maximin has started the last three matches against West Ham, Bournemouth and Liverpool in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes.
READ MORE: Sir John Hall hints Newcastle may now have stadium solution and special guests to watch final
But former Liverpool, Newcastle and Watford winger Barnes believes Saint-Maximin's recent struggles have been down to the fact that Newcastle rely more on team ethic rather than individualism.
“Eddie Howe’s team works via patterns of play which are reliant on the team rather than an individual," Barnes told BonusCodeBets.
“He’s a maverick individual that could end up on the left, on the right, central, he dribbles and kind of does whatever he wants on the ball which is why when Newcastle were struggling he was doing well and he rescued them. Now Newcastle are playing as a team and maybe he doesn’t fit into that.”
Barnes also compared Saint-Maximin's situation since the takeover with when Jack Grealish swapped Aston Villa for Manchester City.
“He reminds me of Jack Grealish when he was at Villa. Now he’s at City where you have to be more disciplined. Play one and two touch, track back, defend and do what’s right for the team pattern," Barnes added.
“Newcastle aren’t relying on him to score goals and get them out of trouble. They rely on how they play as a team and he has to fit into that. That’s maybe why he hasn’t started all the games.”
READ NEXT
Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief urges Nick Pope's suspension to be delayed
Baffling VAR decision explained as Manchester United get lucky ahead of Newcastle United clash
Nick Pope sent message by Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss asks why Newcastle team-mate can't play
"He'll handle it" - Martin Dubravka gives insider's view on Loris Karius ahead of Carabao Cup final
Newcastle owners 'not bullied' on £48m plan with clear transfer 'identity' and summer prediction
