Maxi

[Alberts__Lob]

Is he ever going to get back to form? I lost patience with him today and thought for the first time i wouldn't mind if we sold him in the summer. Bowen and Raphina have much more end product so i wouldn't mind him being replaced with either of them or players of their ability. Maybe i'm being too harsh and he'll have a blinder against Palace? Is it fair to say Maxi was better under Bruce than Howe?

[Zippity]

I'd like to see what he's like after a full pre-season with Howe.

[GBruno]

Maxi stood out in Bruce's team because he was the only creative spark in the entire team.

Currently I think he is not quite himself. Not sure if hes not fully fit or is just low on confidence or what. He's not gliding past players as easily as we know he can do. He seems torn between playing his usual solo game or fiting in with the current team and passing more.

He's going to have to adapt to play in this team, and any future Newcastle team. I think he can do it and could still be a key player. But he will have to change how he plays and work on his crossing/ passing. We'll see. I hope so because he has the talent and I love watching him at his best.

On the other hand, we could sell him for about £50,000,000+

[toptoon]

I thought he was better today. A couple of brilliant plays mixed in with the frustrating ones. He is passing more now and think he could be a much better player with better players around him. He gets isolated not just because he’s so fast and unpredictable but also because he’s often alone up front when he gets the ball.
I agree, if he can be taught to use that acceleration to beat his man and cross/pass, then he can improve greatly. I’d also tell him not to dribble into the centre of the pitch unless he’s in the opposition third and has support.

Joe Willock showed him the way with the assist for our second - nothing flashy, just used his pace down the line, got to the byeline and crossed. We had 2 or 3 players in the box.

[ex_pat_magpie]

I think he's probably worn out. He's been doing this all season, apart from his injury time-out. Don't you think there has been too much pressure on him to overperform week upon week.

[trinitoon]

he could be a much better player with better players around him

I believe this is the core problem. Not just better players but also players on his wavelength. Players who run with him at the right time - he never does the first pass but 2nd, 3rd or 4th. They must get free and call. Instead, they stare at him as much as the opposition do; without presenting an option.

He can be frustrating but can also be electric. We must keep the faith. I hope we don't sell him.

Bench him and start Willock.

[Alberts__Lob]

I wouldn't like to see him go to another team in the Prem and be amazing so think it's best we hang on to him. We might be in a position soon when he's a valuable squad player rather our biggest threat. Same with Bruno.....we might be so bloody good soon even he can't get in the team

[sherwoodmag]

He wasn't bad yesterday but his shooting was erratic,he will come good again.