LONGSTAFF TAKING IT ALL IN HIS STRIDE – BENITEZ
BOSS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE ATTITUDE OF HIS YOUNG SCHEMER
Chief Newcastle writer RAFA Benitez says Sean Longstaff is not fazed by the rapid speed of his development after taking first-team football by storm since making his debut on Boxing Day at Liverpool.
The midfielder has not looked back since and now has eight senior starts under his belt since arriving on the scene at Anfield.
Benitez now has the unexpected dilemma over who joins him in his midfield engine room with Ki and Mo Diame back to fitness and Jonjo Shelvey edging closer following a return from a thigh injury.
Longstaff was praised highly by Shelvey with his warm words following up on positive vibes from Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Jamie Redknapp.
When asked if Longstaff will be able to continue his excellent displays, Benitez told the Chronicle: “Talking with Sean, he is fine and he is mature enough.
“He is somebody who will continue to get better because he listens to you and works hard. He is very humble.
“We will see with the others back regarding competition but in terms on his behaviour and what he will do next I am quite positive he will do welll.”
Longstaff is the son of former Great Britain ice hockey star David Longstaff with his younger brother Matty also doing well for the club’s reserves.
Benitez feels their support will be invaluable in the next few weeks.
He added: “He knows he is doing well. At the same time he will continue to work hard. “Sean is not somebody who will just accept arriving on the scene then say: ‘That is me done.’
“My understanding is his family and the people around him are focused and will give him the right advice.” Rafa Benitez
He is somebody who will continue to get better because he listens to you and works hard
Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Jamie Redknapp have all praised Sean Longstaff in recent weeks