Saint-Maximin offers everything Leicester’s wingers don’t, Foxes should bid

Understanding that Barnes is more of a final-third player, means the Foxes require a complimentary winger – one that collects the ball slightly deeper and progresses the play individually. Out of the current Premier League wingers, there are four names that truly standout for this specific profile; Adama Traoré, Allan Saint-Maximin, Felipe Anderson, and Wilfried Zaha. I’d suggest that Traoré is content with his situation at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but what about Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United?

The Frenchman has enjoyed his first season in the Premier League, after a £16.2m move from Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice. Albeit not outstanding numbers, Saint-Maximin has contributed towards 7 goals (3 goals and 4 assists) this campaign, but Leicester City would profit more from his offensive play prior to the goal contributions.

As mentioned earlier, Saint-Maximin is the second best dribbler in the league, he’s also completed the third most take-ons (121), behind Wilfried Zaha (163) and Adama Traoré (183). However, no player this season has taken more shots after completing a take-on – 22, than the Frenchman. His incisiveness on the ball is unparalleled by any player in the current Foxes squad.

Exactly what Leicester City need

Leicester City have definitely strayed from the one-dimensional, counterattacking focused side that won the Premier League back in 2016, but with pace in the wings and upfront, it’s not a bad attacking structure to apply every so often. Ayoze Pérez isn’t quick, he’s much more of a technical winger – which is why he’s played so well in the number 10 role in recent matches. Saint-Maximin is explosively quick, the Frenchman clocked a sprint versus Southampton of 22.8mph – in the 96th minute of the game. For the entire season, this places him just outside the top 10, as 10th place, Phil Foden, managed a sprint of 23.07mph versus Aston Villa.

The Newcastle winger is extremely fast, direct when the ball is at his feet, incisive, an exceptional dribbler and most importantly, inside the market value of what the Foxes are looking for – as he’s currently value at £25.2m. Even a player swap is a possibility.

All of this does beg the bigger question, have Leicester ever replaced what Riyad Mahrez brought to the table? It was always going to be a difficult replacement, Mahrez is arguably one of the best wingers in World football, but since his departure the Foxes haven’t attracted a wide-player that can single-handedly bypass the fullback with some tricky footwork or a piece of skill. This is something that Saint-Maximin has in abundance and it would bring a lot of excitement and unpredictability to the East Midlanders‘ attacking play.