Chris Sutton has heaped praise on Allan Saint-Maximin after his display for Newcastle against Everton on Monday night. During his co-commentary role on BT Sport, Sutton said Saint-Maximin was on a “different planet”.
Saint-Maximin, 24, failed to get his name on the score sheet but was instrumental in his side getting up the pitch. He bullied and harassed Everton’s shaky defence throughout – and was close to finding the net.
The Frenchman was instrumental in Newcastle’s second goal, clipping a ball to the back post which eventually fell to Ryan Fraser – prodding home. That came after two own goals from Jamaal Lascelles and Mason Holgate.
It was wrapped up when new signing Kieran Trippier curled an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner past England teammate Jordan Pickford. Sutton was impressed by Saint-Maximin, during commentary.
“He’s on a different planet to everyone else on the pitch, absolutely stunning. He has been incredible, if Newcastle want to stay up – he is going to be the man, their key man,” Sutton told BT Sport, in injury time.
Sutton on Saint-Maximin: Newcastle hero holds the key to survival
Sutton is right. Trippier has been incredible since coming to the club, Matt Targett was solid on the left on debut. Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn are expected to improve the Toon – and Chris Wood has done well so far.
Jamaal Lascelles was a rock at the back last night, Jonjo Shelvey composed and perhaps, Joe Willock produced his performance of the season. But while they are all key players – none are as important as Saint-Maximin.
That is because Saint-Maximin has the ability, quality, trickery, speed and magic to literally pick the ball up and do something out of nothing. That kind of talent is too good to go down, and he will save Newcastle.
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