SPORT ANALYSISDespite being written off for the bulk of his career, Sean Longstaff has been instrumental in Eddie Howe’s rebirth at St James’ Park.
Sean Longstaff vividly recalls walking into uncle Alan Thompson’s house as a little lad and seeing Ronaldinho’s Barcelona adventure hanging on the wall.
His stunned reaction reveals a lot about Newcastle United’s humble midfield hero, whose humility belies the impact he has on games on the largest stage.
Longstaff has spent his entire career being written off and undervalued, but he has played in seven games this season and Newcastle has won all seven. He has performed admirably in both of the club’s Champions League games, scoring against Paris Saint-Germain. Even if he doesn’t say it, he has evolved into a serious player.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be playing in the same competition as my uncle,” he stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
Longstaff’s popularity in the locker room comes as no surprise. His teammates have long rated him – he is one of those footballers who his teammates admire for his work rate, selflessness, and quality – and there is genuine joy that his lineage is being recognized.
He has added goals to his industry this season. Subtle changes to his running pattern, supported by Eddie Howe, the Newcastle coaching staff, and his close buddy Kieran Trippier, are to blame.
It was enough to spark speculation of an England call-up, but Longstaff’s response was appropriately polite.
“I’ve not spoken to my dad or brother about it yet so probably not,” he told me.
“When I look at that England group, I see top-level players who have been there for a long time.” I work a lot with Tripps; he’s the apex of our team for me, so it’s not something I notice or consider. It primarily focuses on Newcastle.
“It’s been a long road to get to this position – to play a lot for Newcastle – so shifting my focus elsewhere wouldn’t be appropriate.” Whatever happens happens if I play well for Newcastle.”
It’s been a long road. Steve Bruce, his former manager, was willing to trade him to Everton.
A trade would have been approved if Rafa Benitez had the support of his board, but the move fell through. Newcastle were transformed by a takeover, and Longstaff played a key role in the resurgence.
He was asked if he needed to pinch himself in this situation.
“Yes, considering where I and a lot of the lads were probably two and a half years ago.” “To think you’d be sitting here doing a press conference before a Champions League game seemed nearly impossible,” he added.
“I think right now we’re just trying to enjoy the momentum and the good times.”
“A lot of it has been a long time coming and probably something that we didn’t think would happen, s for us to be in this position now is a real privilege.”
Newcastle, like its unassuming midfielder, has jumped all the hurdles that have stood in their way this season, gliding easily into sixth place in the Premier League after a dismal start.
They lead their Champions League group, but Howe stressed the importance of recapturing the spirit that infused their game against Paris Saint-Germain.
“We were in a perfect place mentally and we have to get back to that,” he went on to say.
On Monday night, Howe spoke alongside Kevin Keegan at a book launch, saying he was energized by the former Newcastle manager’s zeal.
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan stated at one point that the Magpies must aspire to win the Champions League.
“You must be a dreamer.” He stated that because we are in the Champions League, we have a chance to win it, and I agree.”
“If you’re in a competition, you have to have the mindset of trying to win every game and seeing where it takes you.”
“That’s exactly how I feel. I don’t want to put too much pressure on the players; they’ve already had a lot to deal with this season, so it’ll be modest steps.”
