Allan Saint-Maximin (now playing for Fenerbahce, on loan from Al-Ahli)

[Thumbheed]

26 minutes ago, Heron said:

@ThumbheedI didn't say he wasn't a threat. He absolutely is doubled up on too. However, he doesn't score or assist often enough. 3 assists and 1 goal in 18 games for a team in 5th isn't a great return for someone who wants to be starting every game, and if he's not contributing defensively (as he rarely does) he's not offering much other than a perceived threat.

 

On the other hand, to his defence, by him being double up on, this frees up other players such as Almiron which has obviously benefitted him (and us).

 

As you say he's often doubled up on which makes his job exponentially harder and yet he's still able to produce at times, so how do you factor that in when discussing 2 dimensional stats? And yeh totally agree his influence goes beyond what he does with the ball. I remember Jonas having the exact same impact, strong dribbler who would drag opposition teams shape and create space for Barton to produce - which he did. Jonas was often slated whilst Barton got all the plaudits.

 

Not getting around the fact he's been poor this season, but of those 18 games only 9 were starts and he's often been subbed on in the latter stages of the game. 

 

I'm not actually his biggest fan myself, but I can't discount how important he was under Bruce and that's contribution alone shows how good a player he actually is. 

 

 

[BoSelecta]

If he’s sold in the summer, which I suspect he may well be, it’ll be interesting to see what level of clubs come in for him. I very much doubt it will be a club above us in stature or ambition and that says it all.

[RodneyCisse]

On 18/03/2023 at 13:45, AyeDubbleYoo said:

I know it’s a meme how much I mention his bandages, but both legs and both arms strapped up is really weird for a footballer

Looks about a stone heavier than when he signed too.

[Geordie Ahmed]

He was poor against Forest though still played a useful part in the equaliser

 

But for those with short memories it was only last week against Wolves when he had an excellent game

[andycap]

The Problem with selling him is we will need another player to come in, when we already need six or seven new recruits as it is. Cannot see us spending enough to get all the players we need. Especially if we're gonna be looking at the English Market. 

[HaydnNUFC]

I still like him and think he should be starting injuries permitting. On top of that we need a squad next season given we should hopefully be playing some kind of European football and he'll still get game time given the turnaround between matches. As the above post says there are so many in the squad (even those still out on loan) that need replacing well before ASM.

[mikejaxer]

 

Full interview came out today with Soccer Saturday

[nemtizz]

Definitely doesn’t read social media if he thinks that is true. 

[andyc35i]

I really want him to shine with us, but he needs to get himself fully fit for that to happen. A good pre-season will help in that regard. 
 

I like that he acknowledged that he’s a different player under Howe and realises that he has to defend. I think that structure has harmed his game although he’s clearly trying to improve tactically 

[Wolfcastle]

With FFP I was okay with the idea of selling him and trusting the reinvestment but his stock has fallen so much since the Man City game that its probably not worth it to sell him now.

[HawK]

A modern-day Samson.

[TRon]

2 minutes ago, Wolfcastle said:

With FFP I was okay with the idea of selling him and trusting the reinvestment but his stock has fallen so much since the Man City game that its probably not worth it to sell him now.

 

I think this is probably the club thinking as well. He's not really done much this season when he has appeared, doesn't seem to scare the opposition anywhere like he used to, so not sure there will be enough interest to get us a fee which would be worthwhile.

 

He used to look unplayable in some games, but that was probably down to crap managers like Lampard not knowing how to deal with him. Unless we get a decent wedge, might as well keep him as an impact sub if nothing else.

[Lush Vlad]

2 hours ago, andyc35i said:

I really want him to shine with us, but he needs to get himself fully fit for that to happen. A good pre-season will help in that regard. 
 

I like that he acknowledged that he’s a different player under Howe and realises that he has to defend. I think that structure has harmed his game although he’s clearly trying to improve tactically 

Agree with this. His passing against Wolves was superb. But it usually seems forced and often inaccurate. 
 

Still think there might be some truth in the hamstring complaint. As he didn’t look to run at players against Wolves or Forest. Despite having numerous chances to do so. He was more than happy to against Man U and Liverpool, with varying degrees of success. 

[Ginola]

Caused problems all day, great header for the assist. Top quality performance 

[wyn davies]

Seems to be getting back to form

[Smal]

He was great.

 

Just get fitter so you can play the full game please Allan

[Kanj]

Everyone finds reason to hate on him yet he still creates. Chin up Maxi. We love ya mate. 

[worthy]

Maxi was class today. I mean the dribbling the ball away from his own feet at times is not really wanted, but he is such a handful for any team when he is playing like that, and what a fucking assist, the leap for his header was perfect.

[Shak]

Looked like he had that burst back today, few times when he ran at them he looked fucking electric. Never quite came off for him but great to see and the bit of composure to put it on a plate for Willock will hopefully give him a big lift.

[The Butcher]

Really hope he can stay fit for the run in. He'll be a big, big player for us.

[The College Dropout]

Could’ve had 3 or 4 assists.   
 

His creativity and Isak’s movement with Bruno back has really opened up our creativity again.  We need all 3 to stay fit. They have QUALITY. ASM has QUALITY.  He has to play. He’s getting fitter, putting in his shifts too.  

[The College Dropout]

2 minutes ago, Shak said:

Looked like he had that burst back today, few times when he ran at them he looked fucking electric. Never quite came off for him but great to see and the bit of composure to put it on a plate for Willock will hopefully give him a big lift.

He had Dalot on toast. He had 5 or 6 shot creating passes. And an actual assist.  It came off.  

[Kid Icarus]

Second only to Trippier today for me. Should have had a hattrick of assists, completely had Dalot on his arse throughout, and made the right decisions most of the time. Class.

[Dr. TC]

2 minutes ago, The College Dropout said:

He had Dalot on toast. He had 5 or 6 shot creating passes. And an actual assist.  It came off.  

Yeah. Maybe should have shot more but had potentially at least three assists. A very good game. 

[Shak]

2 minutes ago, The College Dropout said:

He had Dalot on toast. He had 5 or 6 shot creating passes. And an actual assist.  It came off.  

 

Aye, just meant in the sense it never directly led to a goal.