How Eddie Howe feels internally about Sean Longstaff after dropping the Newcastle United midfielder

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Newcastle United have an issue when it comes to Sean Longstaff.

The midfielder has lost his place in the Newcastle United starting XI, with Sean Longstaff not starting any of the Magpies’ previous four Premier League games.

Sandro Tonali has taken his place on the right of the midfield three, and has performed well. The Italy international looks very comfortable in a Newcastle shirt, and fans were confused when he was taken off against Brighton on Saturday. However, Eddie Howe insists there are no issues with Tonali.

However, there is an issue with the results. Since Tonali replaced Longstaff, Newcastle United have not won a Premier League game. The Magpies have not tasted victory since coming from behind at Molineux, and are currently ninth in the Premier League.

While Newcastle have not won since Longstaff came out of the starting XI, the local lad has also been unable to influence proceedings as a substitute.

Eddie Howe’s Sean Longstaff conundrum

Howe has plenty of problems at the moment, and the situation regarding Longstaff is one of them.

According to the Athletic, Eddie Howe is aware that Sean Longstaff is not best suited to coming on as a substitute who can positively influence a game.

The Athletic add that Howe is considering recalling Longstaff to the starting XI, as he continues to strive for balance in the middle of the park.

Newcastle’s current midfield three of Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton is full of star quality, but continues to struggle to gel.

Longstaff is a starter, not a finisher

Longstaff has a lot of admirable qualities and often gets a lot of undeserved flack from supporters.

However, he is not a game-changer. If you are losing a game, he is not the type of player you want to bring on in the hope of a comeback.

If you are winning then he is a decent option. Longstaff can help see out a game, but that is not a position that Newcastle have found themselves in.

Substitutions are more and more important nowadays. With managers able to make five changes, there is an added incentive to have game-changing options in reserve who can come on and finish a game.

Longstaff is not suited to that role. He is a starter, not a finisher. That is why Howe will be considering recalling Longstaff to his side, but that then presents other issues.

Naturally, he would come back in for Tonali, but he looks the best out of Newcastle’s midfield three so far. Bruno Guimaraes is not going to be dropped as captain, while it feels unlikely that Joelinton will lose his place.

Midfield is Newcastle’s strongest position, but it may also be causing Eddie Howe the biggest headache.