Newcastle United will have a slightly different style this season, and Sean Longstaff believes we are now a good team to play in.
The midfielder is now working under his third manager as Toon boss, having been given his debut by Rafa Benitez. He burst onto the scene under the Spaniard. However, injury derailed his impressive start.
His return to fitness coincided with Steve Bruce becoming manager, and that led to a period of stagnation for Longstaff. He couldn’t recapture his form whilst playing in a negative team that rarely showed any intent.
However, Eddie Howe is now calling the shots, and his first pre-season as Toon manager is a very important one. And Longstaff is certainly enjoying the direction that Howe is taking the club.
What Sean Longstaff said about Eddie Howe’s style of play
Newcastle play with much more intensity nowadays, and that certainly suits Longstaff. The 24-year-old spoke to NUFC TV ahead of the friendly against Benfica, and was asked about the amount of running he does in a Toon shirt.
“The style we want to play is a high intensity game, we want to get after and press teams,” he said.
“I feel like that benefits me, hopefully that plays to some of my strengths and hopefully if and when I get in, I will be able to back that up and show I can play in that team.
“It’s a good chance for me. It’s a good team to play in. We want to have more of the ball this year and we’re playing alongside some really good players, which makes the game a bit easier.”
Big year for Longstaff
Having signed a new contract earlier this year, the 22/23 campaign is an important one for Longstaff.
He’s already shown signs of improvement under Howe, having previously been linked with a move away. But he stepped up towards the end of last season, and proved he can play a part. Given the increase in talent at St James’ Park, that is very impressive.
Longstaff is the type of player who can get round the pitch. That’s what made him such a success under Benitez.
While we weren’t a high pressing team under Rafa, we did play in an intense fashion. However, that intensity dropped under Bruce.
But it’s back now, and it allows us to pick up possession in more dangerous areas. Longstaff is better higher up the pitch, and Howe’s style certainly suits him.
It will still be a challenge for him to get into the starting XI, but it is one he is more than up to.
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