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Shelvey waxes lyrical over Longstaff

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Image for Shelvey waxes lyrical over Longstaff

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has heaped praise on teammate Sean Longstaff, claiming that the academy graduate is “absolutely tremendous”.

The 21-year-old has found himself thrust into the limelight in recent weeks in the wake of a spate of absences in the Magpies’ midfield ranks, Shelvey included, but has thrived since making the step up to senior football.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Shelvey was quick to praise his colleague.

He said: “I would love to play with him eventually. He’s been outstanding.

“Being honest, it’s hard to watch someone go into your position and do well. It is hard but, at the end of the day, they’re still your mates as well. I can’t speak highly enough of Longy – he’s been absolutely tremendous.

“He’s so composed on the ball and for such a young lad, he plays like he’s been there and done it all. He’s going to have a fantastic career ahead of him and I’m more than happy for him to keep continuing playing.”

OPINION

The impact Longstaff has made has been remarkable. From relative unknown to key component of the Toon Army’s side, he has made the whole transition to senior football look completely effortless, and it’s testament to how well he’s played that Shelvey, arguably United’s most gifted player in that position, raves about him so freely. Longstaff has a huge future ahead of him, and looking at his game, you would have to say that him Shelvey could go on to form a very special partnership. With the 26-year-old’s range of passing nd Longstaff’s economical use of possession and domineering physical presence, they could, if given the time, one of the most progressive and creative midfield duos outside of the top six. It may sound like a bold claim, but there has never been any doubting Shelvey’s ability, and in Longstaff’s case, his potential his seemingly boundless. Newcastle fans should be very excited.

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