Trevor Sinclair believes only two Newcastle United players would get in this Champions League-chasing West Ham team – Callum Wilson and the ‘exciting’ Allan Saint-Maximin.
Where would the Magpies be right now if it wasn’t for their £20 million striker and their fleet-footed Frenchman?
It wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that the answer to that particular poser is, most probably, the relegation zone.
England international Wilson has netted a hugely impressive 10 goals in 22 Premier League games for a struggling Newcastle side this season while Saint-Maximin, when fit, has looked a cut above everyone else in Steve Bruce’s squad.
Just seven minutes after coming off the bench against Burnley last weekend, the former Monaco wonder-kid not only set up Jacob Murphy’s equaliser but scored the winner himself, leading James Tarkowski a merry dance before burying a ruthless finish into the bottom corner.
Jonjo Shelvey certainly caused a stir in East London by claiming that Newcastle’s roster is no weaker than that of a West Ham side sitting fourth in the table (talkSPORT).
And it is fair to say Sinclair, the former Hammers winger, disagrees with that, pointing out that only Wilson and Saint-Maximin would be capable of competing for a place in David Moyes’ XI.
“Two; Saint Maximin and Wilson. Apart from that, I’m not being disrespectful but West Ham have better quality,” Sinclair told talkSPORT (16 April, 9:00am).
“(Saint-Maximin) is a throwback to the wingers of my era where you were expected to produce a piece of individual brilliance. He is injury prone but he’s an exciting player.
“He’s won the hearts of the Newcastle fans and I bet they can’t wait to get into the stadium to show their appreciation for him. I think he’s a top player.
“Wilson, I’ve said this for years, is an elite striker in the Premier League. Hed be a good bit of cover or would put pressure on (Michail) Antonio for that number nine shirt.”
With Newcastle hosting West Ham on Saturday lunchtime, will Shelvey’s brazen claims come back to haunt him?
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