During Newcastle United’s draw with Wolves yesterday, midfielder Matty Longstaff certainly stood out in what turned out to be a fairly resolute defensive performance. Obviously, conceding a goal just after you take the lead is frustrating but, aside from a few top-class stops from Martin Dubravka, the visitors were limited to just 10 shots (per WhoScored) when they usually average 12.7 per game (according to the Premier League’s official website), finding the target with just 4 of them.
Longstaff, playing alongside his brother Sean (a man who was reported to have a £50m rating not so long ago) actually boasted the best passing accuracy percentage of any Toon player yesterday at 89.5%, won the most fouls (4) and the joint-highest number of blocks during proceedings (1), so clearly had quite the impact in central midfield.
The Newcastle academy graduate famously hit headlines earlier this season by scoring a dramatic winner against Manchester United at St. James’ Park but, despite his telling contribution during what is his debut campaign, is entering the final stage of his contract on Tyneside. Indeed, as per the Chronicle following his debut against the Red Devils, he is able to talk to foreign clubs at the moment as his deal is due to expire in the summer.
Following his performance yesterday, the Chronicle’s Mark Douglas urged the club to get an agreement with Longstaff junior wrapped up ASAP on Twitter and, as you can imagine, a number of fans duly agreed.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) January 11, 2020
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the reaction.
https://twitter.com/GeordieDubravka/status/1216060544777584640
Is Sean longstaffs contract being used as a weapon against Newcastle on Matty Longstaff?. Can only imagine Matty would be devastated to leave.
— Ben (@Bengn87) January 11, 2020
We should renew matty contract and sign jetro as permanent also
— Abdullah Eissa AlMuwail (@obeadmowail) January 11, 2020
He needs a new contract ASAP
— Kevin Monaghan (@youngmono) January 11, 2020
Haven't had an update from Bruce to regarding this for a while? Surely it must be high on the agenda?
— Wasim (@wasimebrahim) January 11, 2020
You wonder what Matty Longstaff has left to do in order to earn a new contract with Newcastle United.
Only #NUFC, I swear.
— NUFCThreatLevel (@NUFCThreatLevel) January 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/K_93_H/status/1216044090044882944
Are you concerned Matty Longstaff could leave Newcastle this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…
