OPINION
Rafa Benitez must hand midfielder Sean Longstaff more opportunities to feature for the first-team when Newcastle United return to action after the international break.
The 20-year-old submitted a show-stealing display against Doncaster Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy for the Magpies’ U-21s side on Tuesday and showcased the best of his ability.
Longstaff helped his side secure a 3-1 victory over the League One outfit, who are promotion contenders this season, despite them fielding a relatively strong side.
While several Magpies youngsters impressed, it was Longstaff that stood head and shoulders above his teammates.
The central midfielder cruised his way to a fantastic performance as he controlled the tempo of the game and even played some defence splitting passes that saw him register an assist by the time the game finished.
Longstaff’s latest display must force him into Benitez’s plans as clearly the Magpies have a very promising talent he could not only aid his side in small portions but would benefit from picking up vital minutes from the bench in the Premier League.
The 5ft 9in tall player (Source: Transfermarkt) may have divided opinion like Marmite on social media during his first, and only so far, senior appearance for the club which he made against Nottingham Forest, but he still should be handed more chances to impress.
Several experienced members of Benitez’s side struggled against the Championship outfit so it would be harsh to write Longstaff off based on that one performance especially given how amazing he looked against Doncaster Rovers in his latest display.
With Mohamed Diame and Ki-Sung Yueng currently Benitez’s central midfield pairing due to Jonjo Shelvey being sidelined, it’s clear that the Magpies would benefit from a young enthusiastic pair of legs like Longstaff being in the Magpies’ manager upcoming plans.
Therefore after Longstaff’s latest show-stealing display, Benitez’s hands must effectively be tied and the midfielder should be included in his plans more.
