Midfielder once valued at £50m needs to step up for Newcastle United

With Jonjo Shelvey out, and Jeff Hendrick struggling, Newcastle United need their young star to step up.

Newcastle United earned an impressive result away from home against Wolverhampton last weekend, but their performance was not reflective of the score.

Without their primary playmaker Jonjo Shelvey in the lineup, the Magpies struggled to orchestrate any attacks up the middle, and were heavily dependent on the counter-attack.

Jeff Hendrick set up shop in the middle of the park alongside what seemed to be a rotating trio of Fabian Schar, Miguel Almiron, and Ryan Fraser, but they failed to spark any meaningful plays for their teammates up ahead.

Isaac Hayden, who picked up an injury the week before against Manchester United, was an unused substitute against Wolves, but fans will be hoping to see him in midfield for the Everton clash on Sunday.

As a result of his dip in form, Hendrick is not a name fans want to see on the team sheet this weekend. In his place, a player who deserves an opportunity to show what he can do is Sean Longstaff.

The Newcastle United academy product turned heads across England in the second half of the 2018-19 campaign with his aggressive defending, composure on the ball, and ability to threaten keepers from distance.

Longstaff earned Benitez’s trust as a starter against top six opposition, and as a result of his good run of form in those games, Manchester United contemplated paying £50m for his services. Fast-forward to today, and Longstaff makes rare appearances off the bench.

The talent is there, but the confidence he once had has faded. His window to revive his Newcastle United career and solidify his place in the starting eleven is now.

With Shelvey out for at least a month after undergoing surgery (hernia), Bruce should give the 22-year-old a chance to show what he can do. Longstaff has 35 Premier League appearances under his belt, with two goals and one assist to his name during that time.

There is certainly room for improvement on Longstaff’s end, but getting a few consecutive games as a starter could provide the Magpies with the extra spark they need.