'Maradona or Zidane?' – Savage assessment of Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin

BT Sports pundit Robbie Savage believes Allan Saint-Maximin showed a flash of skill more akin with Zinedine Zidane or Diego Maradona in Newcastle United’s draw with Aston Villa.

By Liam Kennedy

Published 24th Jun 2020, 20:57 BST- 1 min read

Updated 24th Jun 2020, 21:00 BST

Newcastle United's French midfielder Allan Saint-Maximin (C) runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Sheffield United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on June 21, 2020.

The former Nice winger was given man of the match in the Magpies’ draw with Dean Smith’s men, who are fighting for their lives near the bottom of the Premier League table.

And Savage was blown away by the Frenchman.

"We’re having an argument about whether it was a Maradona or a Zidane turn in the first half. The outside of the foot no-look pass. Brilliant,” said Savage.

"He was positive, every time he got the ball I was saying in commentary he’s looking forward to what he’s going to do, taking risks, driving at defenders.

"I thought he was a threat all night and deserved man of the match.

"Steve Bruce I’m sure will be saying in that dressing room get the ball to him."