Sean Longstaff is part of a packed midfield at Newcastle United.
It is arguably the strongest part of the Newcastle United squad, as Eddie Howe is blessed to have six players who he could call upon to start.
That is part of the reason why Newcastle United sold Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest. While the midfielder is an exceptional talent, he operates in an area of the pitch where the Magpies have plenty of options.
Newcastle have so much quality in the middle of the pitch, with all of Howe’s midfield options boasting different attributes.
Bruno Guimaraes is obviously the star of the show, but Joelinton is also pivotal to Eddie Howe’s side. Then you have got Sandro Tonali, who is an elite passer with an incredible engine.
Sean Longstaff praises ‘athletic’ Newcastle teammate
They are probably Newcastle’s best midfield three, but Sean Longstaff believes that one of his Toon teammates often gets forgotten about.
During an appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast, Longstaff spoke about the Newcastle midfield, and admitted that he thinks Joe Willock is underrated.
“Honestly, we played Man United away two seasons ago, and I think they had Casemiro and Fred and [Newcastle had] Joelinton and Bruno,” he said.
“And there was like four Brazilian internationals and me playing midfield. I was like, what’s going on here?
“But we actually are blessed to have a really, really strong midfielder. I think obviously with Sandro coming back, he’s a big help. And I think probably the most underrated one is Joe Willock.
“I think when he’s fit, he’s so, so vital to us. The way he carries the ball, he’s so athletic. He doesn’t think too much in terms of…he’s always willing to take risks and try things, which I think makes him so good.
“Lewis Miley as well, it’s a good blend of youth and experience. And yeah, we’ll push each other every day to be better. I’m biased, but I think it’s definitely one of the strongest parts of our team.”
Joe Willock needs to force his way into Newcastle’s starting XI
If it was not for his fitness issues, Willock would probably get the credit he deserves.
The £25million man was outstanding during the season in which Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, and he would probably have an England cap by now had it not been for the injuries he endured last year.
But Willock is back now, and trying to force his way into Eddie Howe’s starting XI. He has made seven appearances so far this season, three of which have been starts.
The 25-year-old’s main issue is that he is competing with Joelinton to play on the left of that central trio. The Brazilian is so important for Howe, particularly off the ball. Joelinton is someone who starts pretty much every week for Newcastle, which is why it is so difficult for Willock to get in the team.
But the former Arsenal man is probably Newcastle’s most unique midfielder. The way he glides with the ball is majestic – opponents always seem to underestimate his speed in and out of possession. In that respect, Willock probably is underrated.
However, Newcastle players and fans know all about Willock’s ability, and it will be interesting to see if he can force his way into Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Longstaff also took time to mention Lewis Miley, the 18-year-old wonderkid who made a big impression last season. Toon fans are yet to see the teenager in action during this campaign, but that could soon change. Miley is now back in training after injury, after missing seven months of action.
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