Lots of Newcastle fans have responded on Twitter to a club tweet which shows Allan Saint-Maximin back in training.
It’s a big boost for Steve Bruce to have the winger nearing a return as there is no doubt they have missed his pace and trickery.
Additionally, the loss of the player has meant Bruce has had to adapt his system accordingly, and now with him returning, it is quite likely he will return to his 5-4-1.
When Saint-Maximin has been fit, he has been a crucial part of how the Magpies play. In a rigid 5-4-1, his speed down the left is not only one of the team’s biggest attacking threats, but he is also crucial in relieving pressure by winning fouls as well as constantly leaving defences a tad anxious.
Is Saint-Maximin your current favourite Newcastle player?
Yes, he has made a great impression
No, I like him but prefer others
Given his importance to the team, many fans have urged Bruce to ease back the Frenchman to ensure that he does not get injured again.
We desperately need him back, vital player for bruceys system
— sam saint-maximin π¦πΊ (@nufcCLAY) January 7, 2020
Dont rush him like last time, wont beat wolves anyway
β iden O’K (@A1dypercent) January 7, 2020
Pleeeeeaaase donβt rush him back
β chris (@CDJ_45) January 7, 2020
Forcing players back so Bruce can report on having a near full strength squad and therefore no signings are necessary.
β TX_Maximis (@toon_tx) January 7, 2020
Donβt rush him back, we need him fit
β Jord (@jordooo_01) January 7, 2020
We need him back but please don’t rush him. Last thing we need is for him to be straight back out again.
β πΈπππ (@mbusby993) January 7, 2020
Please, donβt push him to much. Let him have a couple of training sessions first.
β Robin Verhagen (@robinnufc) January 7, 2020
There’s no doubt that a huge void has been left by his injury.
From the 12 games in which he has featured, WhoScored’s algorithm rates him as the second most consistent player in the squad, with an average match rating of 7.06/10.
Furthermore, he averages a mammoth 4.5 dribbles per game and gets fouled 1.4 per match, which, as mentioned before, is hugely important for Steve Bruce as they look to play on the break. Bearing this in mind, it’s no surprise to see fans so desperate for him not to be rushed.