Fabian Schar is not shocked by Matty Longstaff’s burst onto the first-team scene at Newcastle United, claiming he’s trained ‘very well’ in the weeks building up to his Premier League debut.
Steve Bruce has regularly spoke highly of the youngster ever since he got the job over the summer, and we are beginning to see just why as he inspired us to a memorable 1-0 win over Man Utd on Sunday.
Here’s what the Swiss international star told the club’s official website when asked about the 19-year-old’s debut display:
“I’m really happy for him. The last few weeks, he trained very well, so I knew he would do a great job.
“He deserves to play and to score his first goal against a team like Man United, it is – of course – a perfect day for him.
“I think you can see how big our squad is. We have 25 players and we need everyone. Everyone has to be ready, and I think the players who came in did a fantastic job today – like all of the players.”
Matty was outstanding. It’s been said a thousand times in the 24 hours that have followed, but his energy and tenacity off the ball combined with his quality and composure on it was that of a player who’d been playing at this level for years.
He isn’t the only one who deserves huge credit for Sunday’s win, however.
Saint-Maximin and Willems played a huge part in his goal, brother Sean was back to his best in the middle and we were so solid defensively, with Schar himself making one goal saving challenge in the second half to take the ball off Rashford’s toes.
Matty Longstaff may not score 25-yard stunners every week but, if Bruce and Schar’s latest comments are anything to go by, his Man of the Match display against Manchester United was no fluke.