Saint-Etienne youth coach Gilles Rodriguez believes Allan Saint-Maximin should be playing for a more 'renowned club' than Newcastle United.
The Frenchman came through the Saint-Etienne FC academy under the guidance of Rodriguez before departing to join Monaco after struggling to nail down his place in the first-team.
Saint-Maximin made just one appearance for Monaco before heading out on loan spells to Hannover 96 and Bastia.
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In 2017, the French winger signed for Nice and caught the eye of Newcastle who paid over £16million for his services two years later.
The comments from the Frenchman's former coach highlight Newcastle's fall from grace and their reputation on the continent has taken a hit.
Saint-Maximin's impact on Tyneside was almost instantaneous and quickly became fan favourite amongst the Geordie faithful.
However, his fine performances in a Newcastle shirt have drawn attention from elsewhere in Europe over the past few transfer windows.
In an interview with Speaking to But! Football Club, Rodriquez said: “Over the past 7-8 years, there’s especially one (regret), Allan Saint-Maximin.
"He was the most talented. Allan has a huge talent. What he was lacking to impact the club more was the mental side. He left too soon.
"It’s a shame for ASSE. If the boy could have had five or six seasons with us with the right frame of mind, he would have been extraordinary.”
Saint-Maximin has shown the ability to win a game almost single-handedly and Rodriquez believes he should be plying his trade for a bigger club.
He is recognised as one of the most feared attackers in the Premier League with his dribbling skills enough to win a game on his own.
Clubs across Europe have taken notice of Saint-Maximin, leading Rodriguez to believe he should essentially be playing for a bigger club.
He continued: “Today, he’s at Newcastle and you can say he’s still doing well in his career.
"Personally, I’m a bit more reserved. Looking at his extraordinary talent and his age today (24), Saint-Maximin should have played in a much more renowned club.
"Newcastle, that’s still something, but it’s just my opinion.”
