Allan Saint-Maximin is now facing 'pressure' to deliver every week to prove he should be a part of the Newcastle United 'juggernaut'. That is the view of former Magpies defender Warren Barton, who insists it is not good enough for the fans' favourite to 'perform one in every five games'.
Saint-Maximin made a scintillating start to the season, delivering an outstanding display in the home draw with Manchester City and scoring a sensational equaliser at Wolves. However, Newcastle's number 10 has hardly featured since after picking up a hamstring injury.
The Magpies have managed to find ways to win without their talisman, with a near-perfect October catapulting Eddie Howe's side into the top four. The narrow victory over Chelsea in their last outing before the World Cup break means Newcastle will be sat third at Christmas.
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Miguel Almiron is the club's leading goalscorer so far this season, while Callum Wilson achieved his goal of an England call-up on the back of an impressive start to the campaign. Joelinton and Joe Willock have both performed well on the left side of attack, while record signing Alexander Isak is also closing in on a return to fitness.
Saint-Maximin often dug out results almost single-handedly for the Magpies in recent seasons, but there is now strong competition for places in attack. Barton believes the former Nice forward needs to show greater consistency, but will 'relish' the challenge of earning his spot back in a successful side.
The former full-back told ChronicleLive: "For Saint-Maximin, now the pressure is on him. If you want to be part of this juggernaut, it's not good enough to perform one in every five games.
"If you want to be David Ginola and be lauded up there, you have to perform every week. For a player of his ability, he should relish that and want to be getting into the team.
"You want to have healthy competition, and they seem to have a good team spirit. It's a good position to have, we've got two or three players who can change the game for us."
Isak has only made three appearances in black-and-white since his blockbuster summer move from Real Sociedad, scoring twice including a memorable goal on his debut at Liverpool. The Sweden international's return means Howe could face a welcome selection dilemma when the Premier League programme returns.
Joelinton and Willock have alternated in the role in recent matches, with Jacob Murphy also performing well out wide. Barton feels Howe now has the 'luxury' of players capable of making an impact from the bench, and is confident both Isak and Saint-Maximin will have 'big' roles to play in the remainder of the season.
The pundit added: "He'll handle it as he has so far, he'll pick the the right team for the right opportunity. There will be a time where Murphy is maybe not having the best game, or it's not working for Almiron or Wilson maybe can't get hold of the ball.
"You have that added luxury of someone coming in to change it. It's not just about the eleven. Saint-Maximin will have a big role to play in the new year, Isak will have a big impact too. They will want to come in and perform."
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