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Newcastle's St Maximin and the unexpectable
Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin scores their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. Picture date: Sunday August 28, 2022.

DOESN’T defend enough, won’t track back, tries to do too much himself, ball greedy: these are all criticisms levelled at Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin from sections of the St James’s crowd — and they draw an interesting parallel to another French Magpies great.

David Ginola frustrated and delighted in equal measure for the fans on Tyneside in the 1990s.

Long-haired, cool, sophisticated and stylish, the winger signed from Paris St Germain for £2.5 million by Kevin Keegan displayed exquisite ball control and breath-taking skills in the attacking third. But it was his defending that left the Gallowgate a little cold. 

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