Allan Saint-Maximin is a Gucci-clad maverick to be cherished

It is unfortunate for Allan Saint-Maximin, and somewhat unfair, that he is readily referenced as one third of the Premier League's most impotent strikeforce.

The statistic doing the rounds earlier this week was that Newcastle's £77million front three of Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron had one goal between them from 38 appearances this season.

The numbers were true, of course, and non-scoring forwards remain Steve Bruce's biggest concern, even though Saint-Maximin bagged his first goal for the club in the impressive 2-0 win at Sheffield United on Thursday night.

They also mask the truth, however, for without Saint-Maximin, Bruce's side - currently two points above the drop zone - would be far worse off.

What the winger brings is difficult to quantify if we're talking goals (one) and assists (zero). But how about this? Newcastle's record with him in the starting XI reads: won five, drawn two, lost two. In short, 17 of their 19 points have been earned with the Frenchman in the side from the off.

That, for Bruce and Newcastle, is both a strength and weakness. A strength in that they have a player who transforms a limited side, turning defence into attack in a heartbeat and terrifying opponents with a purpose and pace previously absent.

It is a weakness in that without him, you wonder what Bruce's game-plan would be. Certainly on the early-season evidence - when Saint-Maximin was injured - there was little sign of strategy or identity.

That is why the 22-year-old has already emerged as his team's most invaluable player following his £16m summer arrival from Nice.

His acceleration is both explosive and unpredictable, taking him in directions even he would have struggled to forecast, let alone the opposition.

He has the physique of an NFL running back and fulfils a similar duty, taking his team up the pitch through brawn and bravery.

It is easy to understand why he has confessed to having had little formal coaching as a child, playing instead on the street against his older brother and his friends. And that is a point of celebration, not regret.

For Saint-Maximin is unique. In an age where academies produce players of conservatism and composure, Newcastle's young forward is all about chaos and adventure.

Not all of what he achieves for his team is by design. But in having the guts to dribble - and then dribble some more - he deserves the luck when a bounce or ricochet goes his way. He is among the top five dribblers in Europe with an average of 12.5 per game.

The maverick play extends to his personality. During a recent appearance in the studio of a local radio station, he told listeners: 'I don't give a f*** if I don't score, as long as the team wins.'

An apology followed but no offence had been taken. If anything, it endeared him further to supporters who have fallen for his off-the-pitch charm and on-the-pitch commotion.

He has visited the city's food bank - the largest in the country - and made generous donations. An eight-year-old Newcastle fan was so inspired by Saint-Maximin's charity that he spent two weeks collecting food items to donate.

With two daughters, Saint-Maximin has a maturity belying his own tender years. Yes, the jewellery, the bling and the bleached hair may suggest otherwise - not to mention the Gucci logo on his headband that he has been forced to cover up - but he is a considered, articulate talker, even if you're never quite sure what he is going to say next.

And that is much like his play. There is something of the performer about Saint-Maximin. But for all of the theatre he needs to start delivering some more killer lines - and that is the goals and assists that will take his star to the next level.