'He's keen to entertain': Allan Saint-Maximin sparkles for Newcastle United – Liam Kennedy's half-time player ratings

Willock and Allan Saint-Maximin have caught our eye against Sheffield United, as well as, surprisingly, Newcastle United skipper Jonjo Shelvey.

Assessing the opening 45 minutes, here’s Liam Kennedy’s half-time player ratings…

Martin Dubravka – 6

Can’t really remember the ever-reliable Slovak actually touching the ball. A quiet evening so far.

Jacob Murphy – 7

One defensive lapse when he did the hard work but gave it away but apart from that a pretty good show. Some top class deliveries.

Emil Krafth – 5

This playing from the back thing doesn’t massively suit the Swede. Looks very uncomfortable on the ball under pressure.

Federico Fernandez – 5

I’m not at all sure why, or what it is, but the Argentine just hasn’t looked the same player since returning from his spell out with injury.

Paul Dummett – 6

Defensively, Dummett is always a player you can 100% rely on. Never lets the Magpies down – and was never likely to in what was his 200th appearance for the club.

Matt Ritchie – 6

Delivery as ever is top class, bar one free-kick which he should have done better with.

Jonjo Shelvey – 7

Blood and guts, or maybe teeth, performance from the skipper so far. Much better. Has been physical and has kept things moving, even if he needs an appointment with the dentist tomorrow morning. Came very close with one first half header.

Joe Willock – 7

Sitting too deep, too often in the early stages of the half but when United needed him further up the pitch, where he can cause maximum damage, he delivered. Always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Miguel Almiron – 6

One or two early bursts from his much deeper midfield role. Does feel like against Man City and again today we’re seeing a little bit more of the Paraguayan.

Allan Saint-Maximin – 7

What a player. He’s turned up with the want to entertain. Some unbelievable runs from all over the park. Quiet in the last two games – not this time around.

Joelinton – 6

Some solid enough hold up play to link things up top.

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