Alan Shearer has included Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff in his Premier League Team of the Week for his display in a 1-0 win over Fulham – but says the English ace needs to work on his finishing, to become “unbelievable”.
Longstaff, 25, has worked his way into Eddie Howe’s starting line-up this season. Perhaps helped initially by an injury to Jonjo Shelvey, he has retained his place in a well-functioning midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.
So much so, that Joelinton has been pushed out to the left. With Allan Saint-Maximin back from injury, many might have thought Joelinton would revert to midfield and Saint-Maximin comes in. Longstaff might have dropped out.
Longstaff remained in the team and deserves his place. He was excellent on Sunday. Shearer included him in his team but had criticism: “The one thing he can work on is his finishing. If he does that he’ll be an unbelievable midfielder.”
Shearer: Newcastle midfielder Longstaff needs work on his finishing
Longstaff has improved enormously under Eddie Howe. Much like a number of Newcastle players. Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Miguel Almiron and plenty of others have gone to a new level. Longstaff is the latest in that long list.
Coming into the Toon side under Rafa Benitez, Longstaff was a player with potential and got off to a superb start at The Toon. He struggled to get back to his best under Steve Bruce, but now, under Howe, he is showing his quality.
He is now a regular in a side that sit third in the Premier League. A player that could, if he continues in this run of form in a side like Newcastle at the top of the division, break into the England squad ahead of the next round of fixtures.
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