Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin continued his reputation as being one of the Premier League ’s most dazzling players during Wednesday night’s win over Crystal Palace.
The French forward started and played the majority of Eddie Howe’s side’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park, with Miguel Almiron scoring the winning goal in the first half as Newcastle continued their stunning second half of the season.
In the win, Saint-Maximin was sporting a white headband, with the former Saint-Etienne man regularly sporting headbands since his move from France to the Premier League in August 2019.
However, this trend has recently gotten him into trouble.
During Sunday’s 2-1 win over Leicester City at St James' Park, Saint-Maximin were a patterned black and gold headband that he will not be allowed to wear again in the top-flight.
Premier League rules state that while headbands are allowed, they must match the colour of kit that the player is wearing, meaning Saint-Maximin would have to wear a black or white headband.
This ban did little to stop him from capturing the imaginations of the Magpies’ fans on Wednesday night, and a moment in the first half saw him emulate shades of Brazil, Barcelona and AC Milan legend Ronaldinho during the win.
Ronaldinho has often been dubbed as one of the most skilful players to ever grace a football pitch, with his samba skills inspiring the careers of many modern footballers, with a step over being among his most common tricks moved.
Before Almiron’s winning goal, there was a moment where Saint-Maximin stopped in possession on the ball and without moving, just continued to do step over after step over in front of Cheikou Kouyate, with the step overs being reminiscent to a famous goal Ronaldinho scored for Barcelona in 2005 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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Saint-Maximin has scored five goals and provided three assists in the Premier League for Howe’s side this season. The 25-year-old has a higher combined number of goals and assists in the Premier League than any other Newcastle player this term.
The Frenchman has completed 128 successful dribbles in the Premier League this season. Of all players in England’s top-flight, Saint-Maximin has completed 45 more dribbles than any other player.
Newcastle have had an excellent season since the January transfer window closed. Since January 31, the Magpies have picked up 25 points from their last 12 games. In that time, only Liverpool (28) have earned more points.
The recent form has been helped by the club’s big money move to sign Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon for £40m. He set up Almiron’s winner against Palace, as well as scoring both goals against Leicester on Sunday.
Newcastle could still make a late break into the top half of the table. They sit 11 th , and only behind tenth-placed Brighton and Hove Albion on goal difference, with their final five games of the season coming against Norwich City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Burnley.
