It has been a week to remember for Newcastle United, and that has coincided with Sean Longstaff being recalled to the starting XI.
Eddie Howe named Longstaff in his side against Brentford, and it resulted in the Magpies stopping the rot after three consecutive defeats.
The 25-year-old was impressive, and he followed it up with a wonderful display against AC Milan. He was brilliant at the San Siro, and nearly actually won it for Newcastle in stoppage time.
While he was denied in Milan, it was a different story in Sheffield. Longstaff scored Newcastle‘s first of eight against the Blades, having been set up by Anthony Gordon.
Longstaff took his goal brilliantly, and it set Newcastle on their way to an emphatic 8-0 win. It means the Magpies have won back-to-back games in the Premier League, and kept three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
The local lad has made a huge difference in midfield, much to the delight of Jamie Redknapp.
Jamie Redknapp thinks Sean Longstaff is the key for Newcastle
Redknapp was on punditry duty for Sky Sports Premier League’s coverage of Sheffield United vs Newcastle United, and heaped praise on Longstaff after the final whistle.
“There’s no doubt this good run has coincided with him being back in the team,” he said.
“He gives them energy, he gives them legs, he gives them what they need in there. At times with Tonali and Guimaraes, it hasn’t quite worked out. He gives them that.”
No coincidence Newcastle look better
There is nothing glamorous about what Longstaff does, but he certainly makes us tick.
Our midfield functions much better with him in it, which is food for thought for Eddie Howe. Obviously Bruno Guimaraes is a guaranteed starter, and now Longstaff should be considered that too.
That means there is just one place up for grabs, and plenty of options to fill it. Elliot Anderson got the nod against Sheffield United, while Sandro Tonali was on the bench. On top of that, Joelinton and Joe Willock are still out with injury.
Howe has a plethora of options in the middle of the park, but it is currently Longstaff who holds the key to our success.
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