Following on from an excellent performance against Arsenal’s midfield duo of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, Sean Longstaff has spoken to the media about his superb display and addressing fan concerns about his inclusion in the team.
Speaking to the Premier League’s Matchday Live team after our 1-0 win over the Gunners, Longstaff expressed his thanks for the opportunities he’s been given by the club and Eddie Howe.
“Some people think I should play, some people think I should be nowhere near it and can’t play a 2 yard pass!”, he said.
When the lineups were announced before kick off, many fans were questioning Longstaff’s inclusion over the in-form Sandro Tonali.
Instead, Longstaff formed a brilliant midfield partnership with Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes, and justified why many fans and pundits are highlighting our contrasting form whenever the 27-year-old starts and doesn’t start.
“Whenever I play, you know what you’re gonna get. For what the manager has done for me, I’ll always be a good teammate – I’ll always be good around his dressing room whether I’m playing or not.”
”I try and enjoy every moment. Every time I get to play at St James’ Park, I’ll never take it for granted!”
Following on from the wins against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League, Eddie Howe now finds himself with at least four midfielders enjoying some good form and moments who he must try and fit into his starting XI.
Where Joelinton is perhaps the most versatile and can be deployed out on the left wing, the quartet of Longstaff, Tonali, Willock and Guimaraes is a selection headache for Howe, but a welcome sight as the Magpies still find themselves in a nice league position and both domestic cups.”
Glad to see longstaff drawing deserved praise.
The sad thing is the not the constructive criticism he’s faced but the very childish commentary from the more reactive individuals who claim to be fans, which is not criticism but rather short term, close minded baiting so beloved of many of a bairn mentality that plague social media.
Sean does need to rediscover some consistent form and yesterday was a brilliant start. Long(staff) may it continue
HTL
Jonesy(Quote)
Not flashy, not blessed with the flair of others in the team, but carving a place for himself by reading the game really well. It’s one of those attributes that goes under the radar somewhat, Rodri has it, Botman has it as a closer to home example, obviously I’m not comparing longy to rodri here but it’s such a strong tool to have. He was outstanding yesterday, overshadowed by our two exceptional fullbacks but equally as important
Sean(Quote)
For one so clearly limited, Sean performs miracles with the talent he has. He is slow, shows no discernible passing ability and his shooting is on a par with Joelinton’s. Yet, he plays, we win. Good luck to him.
davewallace(Quote)
Yup. One thing that stood out for me was his progressive passing yesterday. It was so apparent from his regular sideways / backward safe passes.
The link up to lay in Gordon to cross for the goal is the most eye catching and he did it to good effect in the game. Smacks of confidence and good coaching which is just lovely to see.
Jonesy(Quote)
What a cross that was!
davewallace(Quote)