Allan Saint-Maximin has come under fire from a section of Newcastle fans in recent weeks for his performances on the pitch.
Eddie Howe highlighted the Magpies’ flamboyant trickster as the catalyst for Newcastle's survival hopes last month, calling the winger a ‘huge, huge player’ for his Premier League strugglers.
Humorous interactions with supporters on social media helped Saint-Maximin become a fans’ favourite, with one supporter even randomly receiving a £2,000 Tag Heuer AquaRacer watch outside of St James’ Park.
Go here for the latest Newcastle United transfer updates
The 24-year-old maverick exclusively told ChronicleLive that he would no longer be plying his trade on Tyneside if it were not for love shown by the fans since his arrival in 2019. However, is the tide of opinion turning on Newcastle’s star player?
The stats reveal whether criticism towards Saint-Maximin this season is justified, or if fans are overreacting due to the club’s current plight…
Attacking
Saint-Maximin has been Newcastle’s most potent attacking outlet this season.
He has eight goal contributions - more than any other Magpies player - with his five goals and three assists surpassing his total in the previous two campaigns… despite playing fewer games.
A recurring criticism of the winger is his refusal to pass to teammates who are perhaps in better positions to score.
However, the stats show that Saint-Maximin has averaged far more passes per game (21.10) compared to the 19/20 (16.58) and 20/21 (16.68) campaigns.
One stat that has decreased in each season since he signed is his shot accuracy, although it has remained above 40%.
Temperament
Saint-Maximin’s on-field attitude has, at times, been questioned by Newcastle fans on social media.
The winger was infuriated at Chris Kavanagh’s decision to refuse a spot-kick at Elland Road last Saturday. An earlier tirade at the referee had resulted in him receiving a yellow card - his fourth of the campaign.
The three previous bookings were also due to petulance. A frustrated stoppage-time foul during Newcastle’s 4-0 drubbing at Leicester saw him cautioned to top off a miserable day for the Magpies.
His other two were a result of exaggerated goal celebrations - small details that could cost the club dearly if he were to miss a crucial top-flight fixture.
To put that into context, Saint-Maximin had never received a yellow card as a Newcastle player before this season.
Another stat shows how Saint-Maximin is not making as many tackles as he did in years gone by.
Now, an eccentric wideman like him is certainly not in the team for his defensive capabilities, but to make half as many tackles as last season does provide proof for supporters who feel the need to question his work rate.
Importance
Despite the flaws, Saint-Maximin’s importance to the current Newcastle squad can not be understated.
His sublime skill to create something from nothing is unparalleled at the club - and arguably across the continent, as well.
Out of Europe’s top five leagues, the Frenchman has completed more take-ons (91) than any other player, putting him ahead of Wolves’ Adama Traore (83) and superstar compatriot Kyllian Mbappe (72).
His goals have been invaluable in terms of Newcastle’s survival hopes, too. Without Saint-Maximin’s five goals this season, the Magpies would be five points worse off - and staring relegation to the Championship in the face.
Strikes against Southampton, Brentford, Man Utd and Watford would all be match-winning moments if the defensive fragilities that have plagued Newcastle’s season did not undo his efforts.
The truth is, Newcastle would already be dead and buried if it were not for their talisman’s contribution.
An on-song Saint-Maximin remains the Magpies’ most pivotal hope of avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Premier League table without Saint-Maximin
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
