Newcastle boss Howe backs Saint-Maximin to break into France squad
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe backs Allan Saint-Maximin to break into the France squad ahead of the World Cup and insists he can achieve his ambitions at St James’s Park as the forward has ‘everything you’d want in his locker already’
- Eddie Howe says it is time for Didier Deschamps to call up Allan Saint-Maximin
- The forward is yet to be involved at senior level for the France national team
- But he has impressed at Newcastle and manager Howe believes he can break in
- Everton boss Frank Lampard labelled Saint-Maximin ‘unplayable at any level’
Eddie Howe has backed Allan Saint-Maximin to break into the France squad ahead of this year’s World Cup – and says the player can achieve his ambitions at Newcastle.
Everton boss Frank Lampard labelled the forward ‘unplayable at any level’ following his side’s 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
Saint-Maximin is yet to be involved at senior level for his country but has spoken previously of believing he is worthy of a call-up.
Eddie Howe (left) has backed Allan Saint-Maximin (right) to break into the France squad
Everton boss Frank Lampard labelled the forward ‘unplayable at any level’ after his side’s defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday
And Howe feels it is time Didier Deschamps considered the 24-year-old for involvement with the World Cup holders, for whom the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Kingsley Coman currently occupy the wide attacking positions.
‘One hundred per cent that (France call-up) is something he can achieve,’ said Howe. ‘He’s got everything you’d want in his locker already.
‘You look at his performance the other day – the cross for Ryan Fraser’s goal from a position in which there was no space to get that ball into the box was incredible.
The World Cup holders already boast the likes of Kylian Mbappe (R) and Antoine Griezmann (L)
‘I’m excited by him. Every time he steps on to the pitch there’s that feeling that you don’t quite know what he’s going to do. He is a match-winner.
‘But his overall work-rate and endeavour and attitude were very good and if he can hit that consistently, then what a player he can be.
Howe feels it is time Didier Deschamps considered the 24-year-old ahead of this year’s World Cup
‘There’s no doubt he’s got the talent to do anything he wants to do, but finding that on a consistent basis will be the challenge for any player of his type, it’s not easy.’
Newcastle signed Saint-Maximin for £20million from Nice in the summer of 2019. He has since been rewarded with a new contract to put him among the club’s top earners.
There has long been talk of interest from elsewhere, but Howe believes that Newcastle under Saudi-led ownership provides the platform to match his ambition.
‘There’s no intention from my side to lose Maxi,’ said Howe, whose side are one point clear of the drop zone after back-to-back wins and entertain Aston Villa on Sunday.
‘I’ve seen no indication from the player that his head is anywhere other than Newcastle, making sure he’s committed to us in this position and trying to elevate the team out of the difficulties we’re in. I see a player that loves playing at St James’ Park in front of the supporters – he’s idolised by them.
‘But my main focus every day is trying to find an edge to make his game better and if he does, then he’ll enjoy a great career, hopefully here, for many, many years.’
Share this article
Source: Read Full Article