OPINION
Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff has already made a massive impact in the North East after only making a single Premier League start.
The Magpies’ starlet has stolen the headlines after his debut against Manchester United, scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory at St James’ Park before the international break.
Longstaff has caught the attention of many admirers for his performance in the heart of midfield against the Red Devils, including England under-21’s manager, Aidy Boothroyd, who has admitted the 19-year-old is on his radar for future squads [Source: Daily Mail].
The youngster has also received glowing praise from his captain, Jamaal Lascelles, who admitted he was exactly what Steve Bruce’s side needed after the crushing defeat to Leicester City.
“I’m buzzing for him,” he told Sky Sports.
“He’s a young Geordie lad, he’s going to roll his sleeves up and he’s going to play with his heart.”
“He’s managed to grab a first-team spot, and he’s grabbed it with two hands and done a fantastic job.”
The praise received from almost everyone only highlights his growing importance on this Newcastle side after only one game and something that should see him keep his place for the game against Chelsea next time out.
Bruce has to take credit for the decision to give Longstaff the opportunity against Manchester United, and his performance was the reward for making that happen.
The 19-year-old was phenomenal both going forward and in defence, where he made a single tackle and two interceptions according to WhoScored, constantly disrupting the opposition.
On top of that, Longstaff also had two shots on goal as well as completing a single key pass, as he was a constant thorn in the Red Devils’ side all afternoon.
The glowing praise from Lascelles, on top of everyone else only highlights the importance Longstaff has in this Newcastle side, despite him only making one appearance.
