Patrick Vieira previously questioned whether Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin had the attitude to reach the top.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who now manages Ligue 1 side Nice, worked with Saint-Maximin before the winger joined Newcastle in a £16million deal last summer.
And speaking at the end of last season, Vieira expressed his doubts about Saint-Maximin's attitude and whether the winger could match his talent with the application required to reach the top.
“Allan’s problem is that sadly he thinks that talent is enough to go to the highest level," the former Arsenal midfielder told Canal Football Club.
"And he needs to understand that he needs to work, to make sacrifices. He needs to suffer. And sadly, he has not yet understood that.”
Ex-Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott also revealed that his old teammate Vieira spoke to him about Saint-Maximin.
“He can be an exceptional talent at times," Lescott said.
“He tends to worry about some issues and appearance more so than on the field attributes.
“He can be a top talent, and can be a match for anyone, I was told, but again, needs to worry about doing more and taking care of himself.”
Saint-Maximin has since proved his former manager wrong as he goes from strength to strength in his first season in English football.
The winger has been involved in four goals in four matches since the season has restarted, and according to French outlet Le 10 Sport, Arsenal and Napoli have both contacted the player's entourage to gauge whether he would be keen on a move away from St James' Park.
When asked about the possibility of Saint-Maximin being sold this summer, however, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce played down the chance of selling his star player.
"There’s no chance of Allan leaving. No chance at all," Bruce said.
"I wouldn’t put a price on Allan now. ‘When you look at the level of money we bought him for, he’s arguably the best pound-for-pound signing in the Premier League.
"You show me another better. When you look at what he’s produced for us, we have probably got the buy of the season. He’s blessed with unique skills, which he’s got in abundance."
