OPINION
It’s a rather grim time to be a supporter of the Newcastle United first team at the moment, with Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United meaning the club remain without a victory in the Premier League this season.
However, there was some good cheer for Magpies supporters on Tuesday night when the team’s U-21s side ran out 2-0 winners over Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy.
There were several impressive performers in Ben Dawson’s team, and Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez should seriously consider giving youth a chance considering their positive performances this season.
It’s not like his senior players are doing the business at the moment, anyway. It’s always tempting to jump the gun and put youngsters into the first team as soon as they start impressing at youth level, but many of Dawson’s team have been looking good for a while now.
Take midfielder Sean Longstaff, for example, who produced an industrious display against Harry Kewell’s side, while maintaining the classiness in possession that has become his trademark.
He enjoyed a tremendous season on loan at Blackpool last time out. The 20-year-old scored nine times in all competitions for the Seasiders and is surely getting closer to first team football at St James’ Park.
He’s played one game so far for Benitez and surely deserves another chance.
Then there’s his brother Matty. He’s two years younger than Sean and doesn’t have the same experience of being out on loan, but he’s another one who looked terrific on Tuesday.
The headline grabber in recent weeks, though, has been striker Elias Sorensen, who netted again against Notts County. That goal brought his tally to nine in all competitions this term, and the 19-year-old at least deserves a look from Benitez.
The Spaniard might feel it’s too early for him to contribute to the first team, and if so a loan move should be arranged. But with Newcastle’s frontmen failing to fire this term the cries for Sorensen to be promoted to the first team will only get louder if his current form continues.
If the Magpies are involved in a relegation scrap this term then that might not be deemed the right time to try and integrate youngsters into the first team.
On the other hand, though, it could be the perfect time. Young players come in and play with fear, something that precious few of Benitez’s first team charges are doing this season.
Marcus Rashford wasn’t particularly prolific or highly thought of coming through the United academy, but when he got his first team opportunity he grabbed it with both hands. Perhaps Sorensen and co. could do the same?
