Malcolm Macdonald has been blown away by the recent form of Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, labelling him as an “absolute diamond”.
The former United player has been impressed by how the 21-year-old has gone to being down the pecking order for a place in the starting XI to being one of Rafa Benitez’ first names on the teamsheet, whilst remarking on how the young ace’s vision is “like a lighthouse”.
Macdonald added that Longstaff is a player who does not like to complicate things when he plays, and that he never seems fazed by the challenge he has in front of him.
“If [Miguel] Almiron was good what about Sean Longstaff? He started off at Christmas time fifth-choice central midfielder but is now the first name on the teamsheet,” he said in his Chronicle column.
“The kid is an absolute diamond. He’s unflustered, he keeps things simple as all great ball players do, and he sees things.
“If you put your finger under his chin at any time during a match you couldn’t lift it up. His head is always high and his vision like a lighthouse.”
OPINION
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff is definitely one player who is the talk of the town at the moment. Pundits and fans alike cannot seem to get enough of him, and who can blame them based on his form? It is impressive how he has earned his place in the first team despite being fifth choice at Christmas, just as Macdonald pointed out – and by the looks of things, Benitez is not going to drop him any time soon, even if a few more players are fit. It is hard to imagine a Newcastle team without Longstaff in it, and it is hard to imagine a time where he was never even considered to be close to it. Long may it continue, as he has the potential to be a real star in the making for the Magpies. If he can out play Manchester City’s midfield in their 2-1 win over the Premier League champions, then it is highly unlikely that he will be fazed about anything that comes his way in the future.