Saint-Maximin adds a spark, but this player is Newcastle’s true savior

To tell you all something you already know, Newcastle United are a much better team with Allan Saint-Maximin on the field from the opening whistle. The dynamic winger provides a spark of instant offense, and that was on full display with his two assists in the 3-2 win over Southampton.

Newcastle United create many more chances with Saint-Maximin out wide, and his presence alone forces the opposition to keep bodies back, which gives the Magpies’ back line a few crucial breathers during the game.

As important as Saint-Maximin is to Newcastle United, there is another player who is proving to be irreplaceable for the giants of the north east. There is no flare about Isaac Hayden’s game, but he perfectly fits the description of a player who is both versatile and has a blue collar work ethic.

Offensively, the 25-year-old’s contribution is minimal, but despite being a midfielder he is proving to be among the team’s best defenders. With the injury crisis in defense, Hayden has rolled up his sleeves and put in some great performances across the back line in recent weeks.

Isaac Hayden is Mr. Underrated and he is the true savior of Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are fortunate to have Hayden in their squad. There was a time when he had one foot out the door, but his decision to stay is a rare moment in which the front office deserves to be praised for their influence.

His ability to effectively take his aggressive, confrontational style of play from the middle of the park and apply it on the back line has worked wonders for the Toon.

Two things that stand out about Hayden as a defender are how quickly he puts his body on the line to bail out Karl Darlow from a dangerous situation, and how well he reads where the ball will go.

If it were not for his timely tackles and last-second interceptions, especially against Southampton, the Toon would be in a much darker place at the moment.

With Fabian Schar out for several months, Javier Manquillo out with an ankle injury, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles still sidelined, expect to see Isaac Hayden play an important role in the back alongside Ciaran Clark over the next few games.