Newcastle’s Ki Sung-yueng was surprisingly picked ahead of Sean Longstaff on Saturday.
Newcastle United lost 3-1 at Norwich City on Saturday afternoon – and Steve Bruce made a bizarre change that just didn’t pay off.
The Magpies fell to a Teemu Pukki hat-trick against the newly-promoted Canaries, before Jonjo Shelvey notched a late consolation for Newcastle.
Newcastle fans are increasingly worried about the direction of their side under new boss Bruce, and one change on Saturday will have left many scratching their heads.
Bruce decided to drop star prospect Sean Longstaff from his midfield in favour of Ki Sung-yueng, in a decision that few could have possibly predicted.
The Times claim the decision was down to Ki being unhappy at being left out against Arsenal, though Longstaff’s recent return from injury may also be a factor here.
Either way, it’s a decision that backfired. Ki struggled to make an impact as the game somewhat passed him by, yet Longstaff brought much-needed energy and drive to the midfield.
Newcastle need Longstaff’s running ability in midfield, especially if Bruce persists with Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden in the side too.
Ki’s languid, deep-lying style is too similar to Shelvey’s, meaning Newcastle lack energy with both in the side, and Bruce surely can’t make the same decision again.
Whether it was because Ki complained or because Longstaff is being managed, Newcastle need their top midfield prospect in the team more often than not, and having witness the difference between them on Saturday, don’t expect to see Ki picked ahead of Longstaff again any time soon.
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