Newcastle United picked up a crucial point over the weekend vs. Spurs. Steve Bruce selected an interesting starting XI due to injuries and tactics.
One of the new additions to the starting unit was Sean Longstaff. With Isaac Hayden done for the season, Longstaff stepped into the midfield at St. James’ Park.
The 23-year-old responded to the opportunity with the first assist of the match. He received the ball moving into the box and rather than firing a difficult shot, he slid the ball over the open Joelinton for the opening goal.
His performance was far from perfect and he didn’t cement himself as a must-start player moving forward. But, his form on Sunday certainly shouldn’t see him benched if Bruce goes back to a three-midfielder look.
This young midfielder doesn’t deserve to be benched in Newcastle’s next match.
Joe Willock came off the bench to score the late equalizer for the Magpies and he’s the superior option to Longstaff if there are only two midfield spots available. Hopefully, Bruce will move away from the five-man backline and that would open up another spot in the attack or the middle of the park.
One of the best cases for Longstaff is that his inclusion would likely keep Jeff Hendrick off the pitch. The summer signing has struggled for form during most of this season and fans were definitely fearful Bruce would replace Hayden with him, as he did in the match that Hayden was injured in.
Newcastle United will travel to Turf Moor this weekend to face Burnley and Sean Longstaff should definitely be considered for another start.