Sean Longstaff needs a big performance against Norwich

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite all the summer gossip, Sean Longstaff is still a Newcastle United player.

The midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but the transfer window closed with £50 million-rated Longstaff still donning black and white.

But after a summer of hype, Longstaff’s first appearance of the season didn’t quite live up to expectations.

The 21-year-old started Steve Bruce’s first Premier League game, but struggled to have a real impact on proceedings. He was strong in the tackle and broke play up well, but on the ball he could’ve been a lot better.

In the 67th minute he was replaced, as Newcastle completely lost their shape and failed to get back in the game.

Next up it’s Norwich City, in what is a huge game already for Bruce. And it’s also a big game for Longstaff.

There are already doubts about Bruce’s 3-5-2 formation, with a severe lack of width hindering our attack. To fix this, the manager could drop a centre midfielder for a wide man. Longstaff needs to make sure that’s not him.

This is a key year for him. It’s his first full season as a Premier League player, and he needs to be a regular starter.

Longstaff needs to prove he can impact games and be the man Newcastle turn to for motivation. And that needs to start on Saturday at Carrow Road.