Jose Enrique believes Allan Saint-Maximin and Matt Targett 'benefit each other' and admits he would have 'loved' to have played alongside Newcastle United's number 10. The French forward has struggled with injury and illness in recent weeks, and has seen his recent performances questioned by sections of the fanbase.
Saint-Maximin has not started for the Magpies since the home victory over Aston Villa in February, and Eddie Howe has confirmed he is in contention to start in Sunday's clash at Tottenham. The head coach has defended the 25-year-old amid the criticism, insisting there is 'nobody like him' and that he remains an 'important player'.
Saint-Maximin is second only to Callum Wilson in Newcastle's goalscoring charts this season, and has often proved to be the match-winner since his arrival in the summer of 2019. However, United's recent tactical improvements and dedication to the press out of possession has led some to demand more from the forward out of possession.
READ MORE: Jose Enrique names Eddie Howe's 'most important' Newcastle change from Steve Bruce
Enrique however believes Saint-Maximin's style of play actually allows left-back Matt Targett more freedom on the left flank. Rather than dwell on any defensive concerns, the former Newcastle defender believes the forward will allow the Aston Villa loanee more opportunities of his own to attack.
Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, Enrique told ChronicleLive: "I would have loved to have played with Saint-Maximin to be honest. I think good players understand each other, and I think when you have a player like this in front of you, it benefits Targett.
"Saint-Maximin is going to have two players on him the entire time so he is going to have more space to run. When he goes one-v-one, you're going to let him do it because you know he can do it.
"I would be really happy to have him in front of me, I think between me and him we would have killed the left side! Having a player like this with [Ryan] Fraser on the right side who maybe has to link up and cross in more, and with Maxi being right-footed as well it will more or less leave of the left side for Targett.
"I think they benefit each other. If it was me, I would be really happy to have someone like Maxi in front of me."
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