Rio Ferdinand identifies Allan Saint-Maximin problem for Chris Wood at Newcastle United

Rio Ferdinand has said that Chris Wood has to adapt to Allan Saint-Maximin’s style of play at St James’ Park if his time there is to be a success.

French attacker Saint-Maximin - who has been left out of the squad that takes on West Ham - is known for his weaving, wiry runs and often cuts into the box to take on defenders or shoot.

It’s no secret that he is often the player his teammates try to find to spark a threatening opportunity at goal.

Ferdinand outlined how this differs to when Wood was at former club Burnley, with the striker himself being the main attacking vessel for Clarets wingers, who often launched the ball into the 18-yard box for him.

Speaking on BT Sport prior to the Magpies’ clash with the Hammers, he said: “The bigger issue for him is, at Burnley he was the focal point of all their attacks, whereas at Newcastle, up until today, Saint-Maximin has been the guy.

“So he’s having to feed off different things and he’s having to adapt.

“Today is a good opportunity for him because they’re going to have to look for someone else.

“For a number nine, he (Saint-Maximin) is probably not the perfect winger for that type of striker.”

Fellow pundit Joe Cole agreed, highlighting how Burnley’s modus operandi is still ingrained in Wood's game which is why he has found it difficult to find his first Newcastle goal.

He said: “He’s come from Burnley where the structure is, they get it out to Dwight McNeil who then gets it into an area.

“He has been so indoctrinated to how Sean Dyche plays, and he’s now got to mix his game up and he’s struggling a bit.

“I think today’s a good game for him because he’ll enjoy the physical battle and he’ll be playing off scraps, which I think he’s better at.”

Wood has started Newcastle’s