Phil Thompson has heaped praise on Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff for his performance against Cardiff City last weekend, labelling him as ‘the best midfielder on show’.
The 21-year-old has been thrust into the limelight in recent weeks with the Magpies suffering from a spate of absences in the centre of the park, and has been largely impressive in his step to senior football.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday (Saturday 26th January, 12pm, Sky Sports News), Thompson was quick to sing his praises.
The pundit said: “He was absolutely terrific. The best midfielder on show on both sides.
“He was winning the ball in midfield, he was looking forward, he was spraying his passes around, looking to go over the top, but what it was, he’s got a good presence in there. He’s got a good physique to compete in that centre midfield. I couldn’t have been more pleased for the lad.
“There’s nothing better than having a local lad who can produce. From what I saw on the day, he was the best.”
OPINION
Longstaff has all the attributes needed to become a real fan favourite at St. James’ Park. The academy graduate is a local lad who plays for the badge, dominating the midfield with his physicality and real positive and driving quality to his play. He may have been given his chance through a series of absences in the midfield department, but everything he has shown so far would suggest that he is going to be very difficult to displace when those absentees return. It’s grey sky thinking, but if the worst comes to the worst and Newcastle cannot beat the drop this year, there is very chance that they will not be able to keep hold of a lot of their first team squad, and in that instance Longstaff and other young players like him could really come to the fore. Even if the Magpies do stay in the top tier, on the strength of his first few weeks in the side, he will feel that he can go a long way to being a real success for his boyhood side.