Skip to main content
Unity supplement
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. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes (centre) scores his sides s
Men’s Football / 14 April 2025
14 April 2025
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes after the Premier League
Men's Football / 12 March 2025
12 March 2025
Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz celebrates scoring their side's secon
Men's football / 2 February 2025
2 February 2025
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is beaten by Bou
Men's football / 19 January 2025
19 January 2025