So the new season is dawning and so are the expectations of the Geordie public, one question on many lips has been will Allan St Maximin reach the heights we have all expected and wanted him to attain?
Eddie Howe believes in his talent and his ability to create and score chances but his work ethic and commitment have been called into doubt.
Does Maxi need that Taxi?
No - we need to keep him, this is his year!
Yes- He's an expensive luxury and not committed!
Saint-Maximin is “devastating one v one”, says Howe; in fact, the head coach insists that “from an attacking perspective”, nobody in “world football” is better than the winger in those situations. It is quite the assertion — 10 goal involvements (five goals and five assists) from 35 Premier League appearances last season hardly compares with the elite global attackers — but, when it comes to his dynamic dribbling and his ability to embarrass an opposition full-back, few players can be considered his equal.
These are bold claims that we are all hoping ASM can live up too. There again is no doubt Maxi is putting in the hard work and I’m sure many of us watched his off season training videos of him hill running and pushing his fitness, so maybe this is the season that he comes good and we see the very best of Allan Saint Maximin. We have had many other French imports that looked the part but then fail to hit the heights expected of them and left fans being a tad disappointed.
Regardless he is one of us and we will support him, the boss believes in him we just need him to believe in himself and those around him.
I for one will be screaming “Allez Allan Allez” from the front row of the Gallowgate against Nottingham forest.