Newcastle United got back in the win column after topping Everton at Goodison Park, 2-0. The club played with some urgency, led by the work rate of Miguel Almiron. To increase the energy around the pitch, Steve Bruce has another option that could give the Magpies a boost, specifically in the midfield.
With Isaac Hayden featuring on the backline more consistently than in the midfield, Bruce is left with Jonjo Shelvey, Jeff Hendrick, and the Longstaff Bros. If he wants to increase the tempo and the movement from the midfield, he should turn to Matty Longstaff.
The 20-year-old isn’t the most physical or most skillful player in that midfield group, but he does play with the most energy. When he’s on his game, he can pressure the ball, dribble at defenders, and simply move around with pace.
The best pairing at this juncture would be Shelvey and Longstaff. Jonjo will be able to work the ball around and try to cut the lines with long passes. Then, Matty can bring the ball forward with his dribbling and also put pressure on the opposing midfielders and defenders.
Too often this season, Newcastle has been stagnant in the middle of the park. The two central midfielders will simply funnel the ball out wide or back to the defense. But, adding Matty to the mix completely changes the dynamic.
Combining the younger Longstaff and Almiron in the starting XI, which has only happened in the EPL three times this season, would create a much-needed spark for the Magpies. Even if the club wasn’t clicking on all cylinders, the energy of those two players would be contagious and could help Newcastle find some results.