Since a morale-sapping defeat at Brighton before the international break, Newcastle are undefeated and have picked up eight points from their last four Premier League games to steer themselves away from the relegation zone.
Newcastle looked condemned to relegation after the Brighton loss, but they have turned it around and Saint-Maximin’s return to fitness has played a key role in lifting the Magpies up.
Shearer is delighted with the impact the winger has made and he admits that while he has criticised the Frenchman earlier due to the lack of an end product, he now realises that he creates space for others.
He also believes that the winger being given a free role up front has also allowed him to express himself properly.
“Saint-Maximin has been the biggest plus since Brighton”, Shearer told The Athletic.
“In the past, I’ve had a go at his numbers, but because of his threat and the way he attracts two or three opposition players towards him, he frees up space for his team-mates.
“Saint-Maximin has been given a free role, which means he has to track back less, allowing him to do what he wants in a way that’s effective.
“He’s not been a side-show. He’s been the focal point.”
The 24-year-old scored a goal and provided two assists in the last four league games for Newcastle.
