The key role Kieran Trippier is playing in Allan Saint-Maximin’s development at Newcastle United

The French winger was in dazzling form at St James Park on Sunday.
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Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed the part England star Kieran Trippier is playing in helping him realise his potential.

The former Nice star was in majestic form as Eddie Howe’s side battled their way to a point in a scintillating contest against Premier League champions Manchester City.

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Saint-Maximin was a constant menace for the City defence and he tormented England defender Kyle Walker throughout an intoxicating 90 minutes at St James Park.

There has been some criticism aimed at the winger’s inability to put together a consistent string of performances in a black and white shirt - but the display against Pep Guardiola’s side showed what he can do when he is on form.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he opened up on his relationship with Trippier and revealed the respect he has for the England full-back.

He said: “We are disappointed because we really wanted to win that game to show to the world what we are capable to do.

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“The future is bright for Newcastle and if we keep playing at this level, I think we can win a lot of games.

“This is good.

“To be honest, I improve a lot, the way I play, I listen to my friend (Trippier), what he says to me.

“He’s played for very good clubs, he plays for the English national team and he helps me a lot.

“I just tried to play my best to show to the world what I am capable to do and I will just keep trying to do that.”

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Trippier gave an intriguing insight into the advice he has given Saint-Maximin since he joined the Magpies in January.

The former Atletico Madrid full-back wasted little time in becoming a key player for United and he quickly identified what the mercurial French winger could offer shortly after his arrival.

“I was just saying to him, he’s the type of player that gets everyone on the edge of their seats and when he plays like this, as he did last season against Everton at home, he gives everyone a big boost around him.

“I said to him to keep playing like this week-in, week-out.

“He’s a top quality player and he’s shown today what he is all about.  I am absolutely delighted that he is my team-mate.

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“I say to him everyday in training, since I’ve realised the ability he has got, he gets us up the pitch, he wins us matches and today he was a threat throughout the game.

“For him, it’s just about being consistent because he’s an unbelievable player.”