Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has praised Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin, claiming the Frenchman is “coming into his own” at St James’ Park.
The 22-year old was a first-half substitute for the Magpies against Oxford in their FA Cup fourth round replay on Tuesday, coming on for the injured Joelinton with Newcastle 2-0 up.
Two late goals from the U’s saw the game go into extra time, and it was Saint-Maximin who scored the winner, smashing a strike past the Oxford ‘keeper in the 116th minute.
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson was full of praise for Saint-Maximin, with the former England international tipping him to have a strong end to the season with Newcastle. Robinson said:
I think he’s really coming into his own, Saint-Maximin. I liked him at the beginning of the season, you could see there was a player there.
He got his injury just as he was starting to score goals and assists, he’s starting to be the player that Steve Bruce signed.
I think he’s going to be a real, real good player for Newcastle this season.
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Since Saint-Maximin signed for Newcastle from Nice in the summer, the winger has suffered a number of injury issues, limiting him to just 14 Premier League appearances during the campaign (Transfermarkt).
Despite that, Saint-Maximin has frequently been praised by Newcastle fans this season, with the forward showing real potential for the future.
The Frenchman’s goal against Oxford was just his second for Newcastle, and should he continue to perform at this level, fans will likely demand his goalscoring figures increase in the coming months of the season.
At just 22 though, Saint-Maximin has already shown so much promise, and should he remain fit and keep his performance levels high, the winger could be a key player for the Magpies far beyond the remainder of the season.
