Adrian Durham was stunned after hearing Rafa Benitez’s comments on Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff after the win against Huddersfield Town.
The Magpies manager heaped praise on the 21-year-old midfielder for his display in the 2-0 win over the Terriers and highlighted how it was good to have local players doing well as they’re cheaper.
“He’s working hard, he’s playing well, his composure is good during the games so it’s a question of time, depending on him if he can carry on or not,” said Benitez after the win against Huddersfield (with his comments re-airing on talkSPORT, Wednesday February 27th, 16:22).
“But we are really pleased, and to have a local lad, it’s a great example for all the players, you can guarantee if you have local players they are cheaper and also they are committed, both of those are important.”
Durham couldn’t believe that Benitez had said local players were cheaper and claimed the remarks were unbelievable.
“Unbelievable really, ‘you can guarantee with local players they are cheaper’, what a thing to say, I mean come on,” said Durham on talkSPORT (Wednesday February 27th, 16:22).
OPINION
It’s not surprising that Benitez heaped praise on Longstaff as he was in top form against Huddersfield. The 21-year-old once again put in a performance that was mature beyond his years and he deserves the spotlight as a result. Yet it’s easy to see why Durham was taken aback by Benitez’s comment on the prices of local players. The Spanish manager was clearly saying that players who rise through the club’s academy avoid costing a transfer fee, which is an obvious statement to make. Benitez probably just wanted to make a point that he wants to see more players follow in Longstaff’s footsteps, but the way he worded was jarring. His bizarre remark also distracted Durham from focusing on what was really important and that was Longstaff’s performance. Hopefully the 21-year-old can continue to defy the odds and thrive in the Premier League, as his continued excellent displays are a joy to behold for Magpies supporters.