Newcastle United endured a difficult season last time out.
While their performances this time out have not always been totally convincing, Newcastle are at least winning as things stand.
Though it would be nice to see Eddie Howe’s side click into gear soon, they have shown character to maintain an unbeaten start to the campaign, showing a resilience that sometimes was not there last season.
Dan Burn was one of the more divisive players last season. The defender was criticised for some of his performances and his seemingly constant inclusion as a starter at left-back for a while drew some raised eyebrows.
Still, Howe has constantly praised Burn and the local lad has moved to share some of that with Sean Longstaff.
Hailed as an “unsung hero” by Howe last season, Longstaff can also prove divisive at times.
Burn actually believes the midfielder is sometimes criticised far too much.
Dan Burn says Sean Longstaff gets too much criticism
Writing in his programme notes ahead of the win over Tottenham on Sunday (via Andy Sixsmith on social media platform X), Burn issued a roaring defence of the academy graduate.
Sean Longstaff can play a big role at Newcastle this season
At some point, it would be reasonable to expect Sandro Tonali to come in as a starter alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, with the Italian impressing during the early stages of his comeback.
However, that does not mean Longstaff cannot play a role this season. Clearly rated by Howe and the players, Newcastle are going to need their whole squad fit and firing for the season ahead, and there’s little reason why the midfielder cannot play a big part.
Having put his body on the line last season, Longstaff’s commitment to the cause cannot be doubted.
Criticism is part of the game Longstaff deserves respect.
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