Newcastle: Longstaff is an ‘unsung hero’

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has been an ‘unsung hero’ at St James’ Park this season, according to pundit and former professional footballer Tam McManus.

The Lowdown: Longstaff playing regularly

The Magpies maestro has started nine of his team’s Premier League games this season, featuring across all 13 having also been introduced as a substitute four times.

The 25-year-old has had to battle with Joe Willock for a place in midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, but he has shown exactly what he’s capable of when given the chance to play by Eddie Howe.

The Latest: McManus’ praise for Longstaff

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus was full of praise for Longstaff and couldn’t believe the transformation in his performances compared to the 2021/22 campaign.

The former Hibernian striker said: “My word, Longstaff has an engine on him. The way he gets about that midfield, he is absolutely everywhere. It is a key part of Howe’s style, isn’t it? Those players have to be so fit and I think Longstaff has embraced that.

“I don’t know what happened in pre-season but I suspect it involved a lot of running. He just seems to go all game and he is getting back to the form he had when he first came into the team a few years ago.

Newcastle news!

“Another example of how Eddie Howe can really improve these players. Longstaff was maybe one of the players who you thought might be replaced at some point but he is making a really strong case for himself.

“As a Geordie, I am sure the fans are delighted with that. I think he is a bit of an unsung hero to be honest because he has been brilliant when I have seen him this season.”

The Verdict: Underrated player

Newcastle are currently fourth in the Premier League table after a flying start to the campaign under Eddie Howe, and Longstaff has played a significant role in helping them get there.

The 5 foot 9 gem already has two assists and one goal to his name this season and is averaging 1.2 tackles per league 90 minutes (WhoScored).

It’s easy to go slightly under the radar when playing alongside the likes of Brazil international Guimaraes, but the impact that Longstaff has had shouldn’t go unnoticed, and McManus’ praise is wholly justified.