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Saint-Maximin would be electrifying for Newcastle United

By Carson A Merk

NAPLES, ITALY - AUGUST 16: Allan Saint Maximin of OGC Nice in action during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs Round First Leg match between SSC Napoli and OGC Nice at Stadio San Paolo on August 16, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - AUGUST 16: Allan Saint Maximin of OGC Nice in action during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Play-Offs Round First Leg match between SSC Napoli and OGC Nice at Stadio San Paolo on August 16, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /
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With Newcastle United reportedly plotting a move, Allan Saint-Maximin could be fun to watch for the Magpies.

Steve Bruce and Newcastle United have already added Joelinton to boost the club’s attack for this season. They don’t seem to be satisfied just yet with a strong link to Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin. While some are questioning his fit, I think he would be one of the most entertaining signings in years for Newcastle United.

Last season in 34 league appearances, Saint-Maximin registered six goals and five assists for Nice. But, his impact is not best described by the numbers. If you’ve ever seen him play, you know he is one of the best dribblers in the game. He takes on countless defenders, doesn’t hesitate to nutmeg anyone in his path, and draws fouls from frustrated opponents. The 22-year-old can break open a match and energize the crowd.

With a potentially defensive-minded setup, a player like Saint-Maximin can turn an innocent counter-attack into a goal in an instant. Imagine a 0-0 match against a middle of the table side, then Saint-Maximin zooms past two defenders with a slick dribble move and finds Joelinton in front of goal for the go-ahead score.

Why would Nice be willing to part with such a game-changing talent? Saint-Maximin has a bit of trouble with discipline. He’s been suspended by the French side previously. For me, the positives well outweigh the potential negatives. Newcastle United have not had many players like him and certainly have not had any in recent years. The club should sign the young French winger from Nice to add to the mix of Christian Atsu, Rolando Aarons, and Jacob Murphy, none of which has his skill.