Newcastle United midfielder looked off the pace.
Newcastle United staved off interest in Sean Longstaff this summer to keep the midfielder.
ESPN report Newcastle placed a £50 million price on Longstaff to deter suitors.
But in Newcastle’s season opener against Arsenal, Longstaff was on the pitch, but there was no £50 million player.
The youngster looked off the pace, still perhaps feeling the effects of the injury which prematurely ended his 2018/19 season.
Longstaff was substituted after an hour for winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
It wasn’t the smartest tactical choice from Steve Bruce, having earlier taken off Jonjo Shelvey for Jetro Williams, and these changes left Isaac Hayden with too much to do in midfield.
Yet Longstaff could not really have any complaints about being withdrawn.
He managed only 32 touches and did not have a shot at goal or create any chances.
Perhaps there is just too much expectation on the youngster early on, and this will resettle itself.
The truth is somewhere in between his poor display against Arsenal and the over the top £50 million valuation.
Longstaff will know he is capable of much more than he showed against the Gunners.
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