---
title: "Newcastle United: Fans compare Hatem Ben Arfa and Allan Saint-Maximin as most exciting players"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-fans-compare-hatem-ben-arfa-and-allan-saint-maximin-as-most-exciting-players/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Newcastle United"
published: "2019-11-21T18:55:11Z"
modified: "2019-11-21T18:55:11Z"
---

# Newcastle United: Fans compare Hatem Ben Arfa and Allan Saint-Maximin as most exciting players

**After Hatem Ben Arfa [cemented his mixed status](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hatem-ben-arfa-nolan-misses-17275975) as one of Newcastle United’s most exciting players of the last decade, being a crucial component to their incredible 2011/12 season, supporters have yearned for a player with the flair to match – with some thinking they have found one in Allan Saint-Maximin.**

Saint-Maximin, who got off to a slow start in a Newcastle jersey, has been flying recently with a string of influential performances that have been key to Steve Bruce’s side upping their momentum in recent games.

The Frenchman played a ‘lively’ role in their [1-0 victory over Manchester United](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49868087) at St. James’ Park, whilst also putting on man-of-the-match displays in their recent back-to-back victories against [West Ham](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50191000) and [Bournemouth](https://www.skysports.com/football/newcastle-vs-bmouth/408096).

Although he is [yet to open his account for the club](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/135891/Show/Allan-Saint-Maximin) with a goal, he has arguably been unlucky – finding himself [through on goal twice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_pyz-0ukc&feature=onebox) away to the Hammers but failing to capitalise.

The 22-year-old also couldn’t take advantage of a great chance to put Newcastle [further in front against Bournemouth](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ckAZUern-U&t=1s) on Tyneside, but judging by his recent showings, it’s only a matter of time.

As a result, supporters have credited him with being the second coming of Ben Arfa – showing just as much flair and creativity.

Here’s what they had to say on Twitter:

> And Saint Maximin is the most exciting player since Ben Arfa
>
> — Liam ⚫️⚪️ (@LiamNUFC1998) [November 20, 2019](https://twitter.com/LiamNUFC1998/status/1197219996793004033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Hatem Ben Arfa
>
> — David (@Ted246\_) [November 20, 2019](https://twitter.com/Ted246_/status/1197215637602521088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> [pic.twitter.com/PXLWMlhUf2](https://t.co/PXLWMlhUf2)
>
> — James Armstrong 👨‍🚀 (@jamesarmstrong) [November 20, 2019](https://twitter.com/jamesarmstrong/status/1197258879240945664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Ben arfa
>
> — Chris Mills (@ChrisMi17593087) [November 20, 2019](https://twitter.com/ChrisMi17593087/status/1197214995530031105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Ben Arfa
>
> — Sugarman (@RobMc1969) [November 20, 2019](https://twitter.com/RobMc1969/status/1197252079221391361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Hatem Ben Arfa
>
> — Paul Hindmarch (@punkpablo69) [November 20, 2019](https://twitter.com/punkpablo69/status/1197228547380850690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)