Eddie Howe could have gone on for hours complimenting Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff on Friday morning.
The Newcastle manager was asked about Longstaff‘s importance ahead of Sunday’s game against Sheffield United, where the 25-year-old is expected to start for the third game of the row.
Longstaff was given his first start of the season against Brentford last weekend and impressed, and was then even more influential at the San Siro. Toon fans were blown away with the local lad’s performance against AC Milan.
Over the past week, Longstaff has reminded fans just how important he is to this Newcastle team. He was a key player last season, but had started the new campaign on the bench.
Now he is back in the starting XI, and Eddie Howe cannot speak highly enough about the man who has been revitalised since Steve Bruce’s departure.
Eddie Howe lavishes Sean Longstaff with praise
Ahead of the game against Sheffield United, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked how badly his side had been missing Sean Longstaff before his return to the starting XI.
“I think Sean’s got unique qualities,” he said.
“First and foremost, he’s got a really good brain. He understands what we want the midfield to do, how we want it to look.
“I think he’s got an incredible ability with both feet. He breaks lines. He’s a very positive passer of the ball. And his engine. His engine can’t be underestimated. He covers every blade, he’s very good in transitions.
“All round he’s a very very good player, so he’s a vital part of our midfield.”
A vital player for Newcastle United
Howe clearly loves working with Longstaff, and he is someone who has improved massively since the change of management.
Longstaff has gone from unfashionable to undeniable, with the academy graduate finally getting the recognition that he deserves.
The Newcastle manager has gone into great depth about what makes the midfielder so special, highlighting how good he is with both feet. Combine that with his ability to cover ground quickly and follow tactical instructions and it is easy to understand why he is so important to this Newcastle side.
He needs good players around him, but the good players also need him. It is no surprise that Bruno Guimaraes has improved since Longstaff’s return to the starting XI.
To think, a couple of years ago it looked like Longstaff would leave the club for nothing. Now he is a vital part of a midfield that competes in the Champions League.
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