‘Unlucky not to start’: Why Sean Longstaff isn’t making the starting XI

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admits that Sean Longstaff is unlucky to not be featuring more for Newcastle. With a number of midfielders in the squad, Longstaff has somewhat been a victim of circumstance.

What’s going to make things even tougher for Longstaff is the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. The exciting Brazilian midfielder potentially puts him even further down the pecking order.

However, even before Guimaraes arrived both Joelinton and Joe Willock have been in good form for the Magpies. Longstaff did come on against Leeds and battled well in the 1-0 victory.

Longstaff kept out by ‘outstanding’ Willock and Joelinton

Eddie Howe appears to like Longstaff, but other midfielders are performing better than him currently. On NUFC TV, Howe spoke on the competition in midfield.

He said: “Players also have to earn their place in the team, and I’m not just going to give them that.”

The likes of Joe Willock and Joelinton have been in good form for the Toon recently, which, according to Howe, has kept Longstaff out.

“But Joe Willock last week was outstanding,” Howe said.

“Sean Longstaff can count himself unlucky not to start. Joelinton has been outstanding since I’ve arrived at the football club.”

The 24-year-old was linked with a move away from Everton. The Toffees made a bid that was rejected by Newcastle, according to the Shields Gazette. But the parting of Rafa Benitez seemed to put to bed any Longstaff to Everton chat.

With the new era underway for the Magpies, the club’s owners can afford to bring in much better quality players. Should they stay up this season, they will be able to attract some high-quality stars. This could mean the likes of Sean Longstaff could be approaching the end of their time at Newcastle.

Howe has made the right decision. It has been unfortunate for Longstaff, but the likes of Willock, Joelinton, Shelvey and now Guimaraes all offer more than him.

But if for whatever reason there’s an injury crisis in the midfield, Howe would trust Longstaff. The Newcastle academy product is certainly unlucky, but other midfielders simply are in better form and have more to offer.