Why signing Matt Targett will allow Newcastle United to unleash Allan Saint-Maximin
Allan Saint-Maximin is an exceptional attacking threat for Newcastle United, but the Frenchman does not defend. Watch any game in which the Magpies’ maverick winger is playing and you’ll quickly see his defensive efforts are limited to half-hearted efforts to track back. Without the right players behind him covering it risks exposing a vast gap at the back for Newcastle.
That is why Newcastle United opted to make Matt Targett their first signing of the summer.
The 26-year-old’s permanent arrival on Tyneside, having impressed on loan in the second half of last season, was welcomed by the Toon faithful, if it wasn’t quite the explosive first signing which we were anticipating. Rather it a subtle, and very sensible, acquisition.
Newcastle had spent the first few weeks after the season ended sounding out the likes of Atletico Madrid full back Renan Lodi. Offering a significant attacking threat, the Brazilian would have been a very exciting addition in that left back slot. But it would have also significantly exposed the weaknesses in Saint-Maximin’s game, at the behest of the team.
The fact that this was identified and appreciated by the new ownership, and direction was shifted to instead securing a solid (and proven, after last season) defensive option in Targett shows that common sense is ruling the decision making upstairs at Newcastle.
We are committed to making signings based on logic, need and fiscal sense – rather than splashing our apparent bottomless wealth on marquee names. This is sustainable development of a football club.
As much as I love our maverick Frenchman, I do still feel Saint-Maximin’s days are numbered at St. James’ Park. He is an exciting talent and can turn a game on his head, but unless he improves on the defensive side of the game and joins in with the high press, he doesn’t fit the new Eddie Howe model of play.
At least in the immediate term, as proven by the signing of Targett, the fan favourite is here to stay though. Now, with a solid defensive presence secured behind him, he can focus on hitting the ground running in the new season.
Judging by social media clips of his off-season fitness regime, the French winger is planning on coming back fitter than ever too. Between Targett and Saint-Maximin, Newcastle United could be about to unleash another dynamic on the league come August.