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Vote for Newcastle United’s Longstaff for EPL Player of the Month

By Carson A Merk

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Newcastle player Sean Longstaff in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Molineux on February 11, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Newcastle player Sean Longstaff in action during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Molineux on February 11, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff is up for EPL Player of the Month for February.

A good season keeps getting better for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. The local product and Academy alum has been receiving rave reviews since he broke into the first team. Now, Longstaff has been nominated for the EPL Player of the Month for February. If you’re unsure, for whatever reason, on who to vote for this month, here’s your official Sean Longstaff pitch. (VOTE HERE, if you already are ready to vote for the Magpies’ youngster)

Let’s start with where Sean Longstaff’s journey began. Well, it began where his journey has led him currently, Newcastle upon Tyne. He arrived to the Newcastle United Academy years ago and has been excelling at every step. He’s a local boy, earning praise from the club’s biggest legend, Alan Shearer. Who doesn’t love a hometown hero doing great things? We definitely do! (If this convinced you to select Longstaff, VOTE HERE)

Now, let’s dive into his performances last month, all stats courtesy of WhoScored.com. The first match of the month was against Spurs. He completed one key pass and drew two fouls, adding four clearances and three tackles. Next up was the 1-1 draw with Wolves. He completed 80% of his 51 total passes and registered six tackles. Then, the two-match win streak began, in large part due to Longstaff. Against Huddersfield Town, he connected on an incredible 88% of 76 total passes. He played six long balls, intercepted two passes, and hit the post with a lovely shot from outside the area. After the close call vs. the Terriers, Longstaff finally tallied his first Premier League goal against Burnley. Again, he connected on more than 80% of his passes and was bossing the midfield. (If his match performances convinced you, vote for Longstaff HERE)

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Yes, his stats are impressive. There’s early talk that he could play his way onto Gareth Southgate’s English national team radar. Another main piece of his success is the surprise factor. With midfielders like Jonjo Shelvey, Ki, and Mohamed Diame battling injuries, Longstaff was forced into a major role, something no one expected when the season began. In the span of less than a full season, Longstaff has gone from an interesting prospect to one of the first names on Rafa Benitez’s team sheet. It’s been quite the journey and it should be rewarded with an EPL Player of the Month trophy. (I know I convinced you by this point, so click HERE to vote for Longstaff)