Alan Shearer believes Sean Longstaff was back to his best during Newcastle’s memorable win over Man Utd on Sunday.
The former NUFC number 9 also spoke about the comparisons with Michael Carrick, believing Sean’s ‘fantastic’ passing, his legs in midfield and his ‘ability to take and receive the ball’ make the comparisons fair.
Here’s what Shearer had to say about the 21-year-old and the comparisons to Carrick when speaking to the Chronicle this week:
“There are definitely traits and he’s had a good start.
“He had an injury that has been unfortunate but you have to cope with it.
“I think Newcastle are a better team with him in it because of his energy and the legs he gives to the team…his ability to take and receive the ball.
“His passing ability is fantastic.There weren’t many better than him (Carrick) at doing that.
“We haven’t the best of him in the early part of the season because of the niggling injuries he had.
“But I think there’s no doubt he was back to the best of what we saw last season (against Man United).”
This comes after both Shearer and former Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick were on Tyneside yesterday to open the new all-weather pitch at Wallsend Boys Club.
Shearer’s right – we certainly are a better team with him in the side. Not just because of his energy but because of his maturity both on and off the ball.
He’d been poor so far this season prior to Sunday’s game, with his performance in the 1-0 win at Spurs being his only other impressive display, however he got back to basics at the weekend and did what he does best – screening the defence, looking composed in possession and creating from deep with some lovely balls into the final third.
Let’s hope he and Matty can continue in this vein ahead of our trip to Stamford Bridge a week on Saturday.
We were in desperate need of a boost and their emergence has been a breath of fresh air.
