Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has praised midfielder Sean Longstaff following his cameo role against Liverpool on Boxing Day.
The 21-year-old made his Premier League debut as he came on from the bench with 17 minutes remaining, the Spaniard hinted that it could be the first of many appearances.
Speaking after the match, as quoted in the Chronicle, Benitez said: “I think it will be good and bad memories for him.
“Obviously his debut at Anfield and with a great atmosphere, but bad memories because obviously we lost the game.
“But he did well, he even could have scored a goal, and that was positive in terms of a young lad coming here and not being scared of trying to do something. Hopefully he can be an important player for us in the future.”
OPINION
His debut may not have come in an ideal scenario, but Longstaff could prove to be a very important player for Newcastle going forward. Benitez clearly has a lot of faith in the young man, and a combination of injuries and stingy investment has thrust him into a position whereby first team football could be a regular opportunity. Time and time again it has be seen in teams fighting for survival that a prospect is thrown in at the deep end and has flourished under the pressure. A prime example would be Jordan Pickford at Sunderland, who made his breakthrough in the Mackems’ relegation year and is now England number one. Longstaff might not be that good, but there’s no reason to believe that he can’t go on to become a very important player for the Toon Army, and for all they will not want to be considering the option, he could be vital if they do go down and have to endure a mass exodus of playing staff.