Looking to break his way into the French senior squad, Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin has all the ability to shine at the World Cup in Qatar. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to the 2022/23 Premier League season and will be determined to catch the eye of Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps before the major tournament this winter.
Toon Star Reveals World Cup Dream
Saint-Maximin has made no secret of his goal to reach Qatar, after posting a message on Instagram saying “only one thing in my mind, the World Cup”. France, who is 11/2 in the World Cup betting odds to win the tournament, has so far overlooked the former Nice star who has made seven appearances for the under-21s. Having won the last competition in Russia four years ago, many 2022 World Cup tips will be expecting the French to go far for the highly-anticipated tournament in Qatar.
However, France did fall short in their hopes of winning the 2020 European Championships as they crashed out in the round of 16 stages at the hands of Switzerland in a penalty shootout in Bucharest.
The French national side is blessed with many talented players, with the likes of Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba in their ranks, but on the evidence of the last European Championship they were lacking a certain “je ne sais quoi”. When it comes to individuality in their style of football, there are few like Saint-Maximin. The winger, with his sometimes frantic-looking style, has shown time and again his ability to unlock defences in the Premier League. France would certainly be missing a trick if they were to overlook the Newcastle star this winter as they face Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in the group stages.
Focus Must Be On Magpies For Now
There is little Saint-Maximin can do now but keep impressing Newcastle in the Premier League. The Magpies have made a steady start to the season with seven points in their first six league outings. A 3-3 draw with reigning champions Manchester City showed how far Newcastle have come, from a side that was battling with relegation last season before manager Eddie Howe’s arrival at St James’ Park.
With one goal in his first four outings, Saint-Maximin is already off the mark in the Premier League. A hamstring injury, sustained in the side’s 1-1 draw where he bagged a last-minute equaliser, has been a frustration for the Frenchman at the start of this new campaign. The injury is not believed to be serious and Saint-Maximin will be back making an impact for the Magpies soon. If Newcastle is to realise their ambitions and challenge for European places this season, Saint-Maximin will play a vital role.
Well before the European places are decided in the Premier League in May, the World Cup takes place this winter. France could do far worse than to give Saint-Maximin an opportunity to light up the biggest stage of them all.