Newcastle never solved David Ginola problem and now face modern-day version on left-hand side

A left-back left looking frustrated by the lack of cover at Newcastle United. Doesn't that sound familiar?

Take your mind back to April 1996 and John Beresford's first half substitution when the full-back was taken off after clashing with Kevin Keegan during a slender win over Aston Villa during the title race and the story is well known in these parts. Back then Beresford felt he was left exposed by David Ginola's lack of tracking back.

Beresford is quoted in Chronicle archives addressing the dilemma: "With Ginola, there were games, especially away from home, when we had to carry him. It's well documented he didn't track back too much."

Fast forward to 2022, and Matt Targett may feel he has a similar issue with Allan Saint-Maximin. He subtly mentioned it after the win against Crystal Palace, the night the former Nice winger casually performed four stepovers in a row out on the right-wing.

Back then he said: "You have to change the way you play when you have somebody like Maxi in front of you. It's all about getting the right balance for the team."

Portugal international Joao Cancelo had something of a field day attacking Newcastle's left with overlapping runs contributing an assist, five shots and 85 touches in all. And that's before you talk about two-goal man of the match Raheem Sterling who had plenty of joy too.

The answer during the 90s was never ever really solved. Ginola's style of play also annoyed the hell out of Alan Shearer who made countless runs to either the front or back post without seeing a delivery.

Ginola was eventually sold to Spurs in 1997 before being replaced by the excellent Nobby Solano a year later. If you want a good example of a winger that can deal with the defensive work and provide