Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham has expressed how impressed he has been with Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff so far this season.
He said he has been particularly blown away by how mature the 21-year-old is when he plays, remarking on how he is not someone who dives straight into tackles – an indication that he has got his positioning just right.
Higginbotham adds that his defensive qualities have allowed the likes of Isaac Hayden to push further forward when needed, and that they have allowed the Magpies to score more goals than they have before.
“Longstaff —who had a fruitful loan at Blackpool last season— has started every game since, and what has impressed me most is just how mature the midfielder is,” he said in his column for the Sun.
“I’ve rarely seen Longstaff, 21, have to dive into tackles, a sign that his positioning and anticipation is spot on. He’s been tasked by Benitez to predominantly sit in midfield, allowing Isaac Hayden to join in further forward when required.
“So his defensive attributes, along with the arrival of [Miguel] Almiron, have contributed to Newcastle score more goals in recent times.”
OPINION
It is without any shadow of a doubt that Longstaff’s inclusion in the Newcastle team in recent times has changed them for the better. The quality he brings at such a young age is particularly impressive, as is his ability to be mature, just as Higginbotham has pointed out. There are not many young players about who have shown his level of maturity, an atrribute that has certainly helped him prolong his run in the Newcastle starting XI lately. The likelihood of him getting dropped from now on is slimmer than it has ever been, and it is no doubt something that has led to Jonjo Shelvey’s decline recently. Higginbotham is right, his defensive ability has allowed his teammates to push further when needed – and as a result, Newcastle have been scoring regularly. Who would have thought than an Academy player would make such a monumental difference on the team?