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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Sean Longstaff

By Carson A Merk

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United battles for possession with Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on March 02, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United battles for possession with Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on March 02, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
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The Newcastle United Academy product was a breakout star in his brief first-team run this season.

You’d be hardpressed to find a preview of Newcastle United’s season that included the belief that Sean Longstaff would impact the first-team in any significant fashion. But, right around the turn of the year, the Academy product burst onto the scene, nominated for Premier League Player of the Month, and dazzled the Toon Army. A knee injury cut his campaign short, but not before he was able to impress Manchester United enough for there to be interest this summer. We take a look at his impressive debut campaign and the prospects of him potentially departing for the Red Devils.

2018-19 Premier League stats: Nine appearances, one goal, 30 accurate long balls, 76% tackle success

Durim Halimi

When Sean Longstaff made his debut with Newcastle United in December as a late substitute in a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield I did not think much of it. I actually did not expect to see Longstaff again all season after that, but I was wrong in a major way. Despite being 21-years-old, Longstaff looked like a mature veteran who was comfortable on the ball in the middle of the park as a regular starter. His composure on the ball, precise passing and willingness to get involved in the attack is what earned Benitez’s trust. It is unheard of for an academy player to come in and keep notable players on the bench against the most elite clubs in the Premier League, but Longstaff did just that.

It does not surprise me that Manchester United are pursuing his services because he is a talented youngster with plenty of potential. In fact, I think Longstaff will join Declan Rice on the national team at some point in the near future. Newcastle United are fortunate to have such a talented youngster on its roster and expectations will be high for him next season. Assuming the current roster stays as is, at least in midfield, Longstaff will definitely be the first name on the team sheet.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Surefire starter

Carson A. Merk

What a pleasant surprise Sean Longstaff turned out to be this season. With a wealth of central midfielders, he wasn’t even close to my radar. But, with injuries and poor form, he got his chance and never let it go. Despite being in his first Premier League action, he never looked overwhelmed or out of his league. He is a composed player with vision and confidence beyond his years.

It’s a shame that we didn’t get to see him down the stretch due to his knee injury. But, his brief cameo was the perfect tease to a promising 2019-20 with the Black and White. If you couldn’t tell by that statement, I don’t think Newcastle United should even consider selling him to Manchester United right now. Longstaff is happy with his hometown club and it is special for the supporters to see a Geordie blossom into a star for their beloved Magpies. He should enter next season occupying one of the central midfield positions. He is a rare case of quality AND potential for Newcastle United.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Surefire starter