Jose Enrique is confident new boy Anthony Gordon will “give more” to Newcastle United than Allan Saint-Maximin. The latter, who has started the previous three fixtures, was the St James’ Park crowd-pleaser during his first couple of seasons.
Saint-Maximin’s electric displays on the flank were arguably the key reason why supporters continued to show up and watch the Mike Ashley era. However, under Eddie Howe and particularly this season, the Frenchman’s influence has faded - although he impressed in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Until recently, injuries had hampered his campaign and Newcastle excelled without him. A fully fit Saint-Maximin poses a threat to any side in the Premier League but fans have rarely witnessed that in 2022-23.
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Signing a £45million winger last month poses a direct threat to the 25-year-old’s future. Gordon arrived from boyhood club Everton but has settled for cameos from the bench so far.
While injury troubles could force Eddie Howe to start the pair together against Liverpool, it is clear Gordon and Saint-Maximin will become long-term rivals for a starting place. Speaking to Genting Casino, former Newcastle defender Enrique claimed talent may not necessarily translate to impact on Tyneside.
“I love Anthony Gordon as a player and a person,” Enrique told Genting Casino. “I know he played for Everton and I probably shouldn’t say this (as an ex-Liverpool player) but I actually talked to him a few times and he seems like a great guy.
“I would say players like Alan Saint-Maximin are more talented than him but Gordon will give a lot more because of his work rate, with and without the ball. Eddie (Howe) is looking for players like this even if Saint-Maximin has better qualities.
“In my opinion, if Saint-Maximin is not the best in the league, he is definitely in the top three. Although he is not giving Eddie the work that he wants, so I'm not sure what will happen to him. Gordon ticks all of Howe’s and Newcastle’s boxes. Time will tell if Newcastle paid too much of a price on him.”
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