Newcastle United continue to struggle in the middle of the relegation battle. Obviously, that uncertainty doesn’t allow for the club to focus on the future of their young players. But, what if Steve Bruce could help the present and the future for the Magpies at the same time?
The embattled manager is dealing with a depleted squad due to injury, but he continues to make the same mistake every week regarding two available players.
Elliot Anderson and Matty Longstaff were on the same pitch on March 8th in Newcastle United colors. Unfortunately, that was during a draw vs. Sunderland’s U-23 side for the Newcastle reserves.
Neither Anderson or Longstaff have been in the squad for the first team since mid-February. The last time either player featured for Bruce was in the same match on 1/18 vs. Arsenal in the Premier League.
With this repeated mistake, Steve Bruce is hurting Newcastle now and for their future.
The 18-year-old Anderson has scored five goals this season for the U-23s and made his EPL debut in that match vs. the Gunners. Longstaff, after inking a new deal with the club, has played five matches for the first team and three for the reserves.
With the club looking for a boost of energy, both of the young players could help the club survive this season. This isn’t to say either player should be penciled in as a starter every match, but they should absolutely be in the squad and get chances to impact the match off the bench at the very least.
Also, the experience of playing in meaningful matches for the first team could massively benefit both players as they continue to develop. Whether they survive or get relegated, Anderson and Longstaff will be valuable pieces for Newcastle going forward. As he freezes out two of the club’s most promising players, Bruce continues to damage the club’s present and future with his poor decision-making.