Allan Saint-Maximin - Newcastle United’s gem

Over the years Newcastle United have always had that one player who gets supporters off their seats.

Though, for a few seasons Newcastle have missed that spark, that player who excites the crowd before every touch. Allan Saint-Maximin is that player, the Frenchman brings flair to this Newcastle side.

Saint-Maximin arrived on Tyneside last summer, with reports circulating he had attitude problems. Something that Newcastle supporters haven’t seen at all during his time with the club. In fact, Saint-Maximin has a fantastic relationship with Newcastle supporters, frequently interacting with them on social media.

Saint-Maximin showed his stupendous ability against Oxford United, during Newcastle’s FA Cup replay. With the game destined for a penalty shootout, after Newcastle threw away a two goal lead, Saint-Maximin drove at the Oxford defence - Skipping by two players before firing a venomous shot past the ‘keeper.

Without the Frenchman in the side, Newcastle have struggled - in the Premier League, Saint-Maximin has been on the losing side just 3 times out of 14 appearances.

Saint-Maximin’s pace and trickery are a real handful for defenders. He has settled quickly in England - As a result, his performances are constantly improving.

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The former Nice player has been a breath of fresh air since arriving on Tyneside. During his first few weeks at Newcastle he helped out with the local food bank, Saint-Maximin has shown that he always has time for the supporters.

Newcastle have had some fantastic French players down the years, Hatem Ben Arfa, Laurent Robert and David Ginola - All wide players. Saint-Maximin has already become a fan favourite, he will hope to emulate his fellow Frenchmen during his time at the club.

Saint-Maximin has all the tools to become one of the very best - At 22 years old, there’s still plenty of time for him to improve further, quite a scary thought especially for opposition defenders.

When Steve Bruce announces his starting eleven each week, Saint-Maximin’s name will strike fear into the opposition.

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Newcastle have the foundations of a really exciting side - Saint-Maximin is a really important piece of the puzzle. Unpredictable and charismatic, Saint-Maximin has the drive and determination to haul Newcastle up the Premier League table.

The Frenchman is the kind of player Newcastle supporters craved. It is vital for the club that he remains on Tyneside for years to come. Who knows - Saint-Maximin and Newcastle may well make an appearance at Wembley before the end of the season. It’s certainly not out of the question, Saint-Maximin helped the Magpies progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 14 years. Should they get by West Brom, there will be more belief that they can go all the way to the final.

It is important that Saint-Maximin remains injury free for the rest of the season, with the Frenchman in the side - Newcastle are a totally different team and a much bigger threat.