---
title: "Exclusive: Ex-Newcastle defender calls for Saint-Maximin and Almiron to step up"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/exclusive-ex-newcastle-defender-calls-for-saint-maximin-and-almiron-to-step-up-callum-wilson-e232/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Caleb Sage"
section: "Exclusive"
published: "2021-09-08T16:08:35Z"
modified: "2021-09-08T16:08:35Z"
---

# Exclusive: Ex-Newcastle defender calls for Saint-Maximin and Almiron to step up

**Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron need to step up, says former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey.**

Last season, the [£42.7m](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/newcastle-united/startseite/verein/762)-rated attacking duo scored seven league goals combined, which was five less than what top scorer Callum Wilson managed on his own ([as per WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/23/Archive/England-Newcastle-United)).

The Englishman is Newcastle’s talisman but has [struggled with injury](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/callum-wilson/verletzungen/spieler/123682) during his time at St James’ Park.

\[freshpress-poll id=”373263″\]

Considering that, Howey feels Wilson is not a player you can afford to solely rely on and is now calling for the likes of Saint-Maximin and Almiron to do better in front of goal so that Newcastle do not suffer in the absence of their first-choice striker.

*“The two of them can show flashes,”* the ex-Newcastle player told **TT**. *“I think sometimes it’s the final end product with both players.*

*“Saint-Maximin is one of those players where he does get you off your seat and fans love watching him live. Almiron is so quick and defenders hate that. He got a couple of goals last season, but he still had a lot of chances where he missed those chances.*

*“It is a worry if Wilson gets injured, but then you need other players to step up.”*

Saint-Maximin already has one Premier League goal to his name for the season, so from a Newcastle perspective, hopefully he can build on that. Almiron, however, is yet to register, while Wilson once again [tops the list](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/23/Show/England-Newcastle-United) with his two strikes.