Longy’s just Bourne to be United’s No. 10
MIDFIELDER SEAN EXCELS IN TOON ATTACKING ROLE
NEWCASTLE United midfielder Sean Longstaff put in an excellent performance against AFC Bournemouth in the No 10 role.
Longstaff had a hand in Dwight Gayle’s equaliser and then applied a fine finish to beat Aaron Ramsdale to score his first Premier League goal of the season.
Sadly, his fun was ended after 33 minutes as he was taken off with a hamstring injury for precautionary reasons.
However, his success in the No 10 role was no fluke.
Longstaff caught the attention of the first team when operating as an attacking midfielder in the under-23s before securing loan moves to Kilmarnock and Blackpool.
It was only two years ago but Longstaff was then destined to be sent to League One Portsmouth to build on his experience before then boss Rafa Benitez blocked the deal as he wanted him to remain with the senior side.
Longstaff ’s dramatic rise to the first team has not been short of bad luck with injuries halting his progress at times.
Yet if he features in the last six games he will be close to 50 senior appearances going into the 2020/21 season.
Longstaff grabbed his fourth senior goal for United but the way he finished did not come as any surprise to Academy staff or those who have watched him rise through the ranks.
Speaking about the No 10 role, Longstaff said: “It gives me a chance to run around a little and get into positions.
“I can get in more advanced positions to score a few goals.
“I have played there since I was younger and I really enjoy it.
“It is a bit of a change from being deeper.
“It gives you a bit more freedom and you are willing to try a few more things.”
United will now keep an eye on Longstaff’s fitness going into the home encounter with West Ham on Sunday.
The midfielder added: “That was the disappointing thing, getting injured.
“It was not great to have to go off with any muscle injury. It came at a horrible time.
“At least I have scored and played a part in the game, Miggy (Miguel Almiron) also came on and scored.”
Longstaff weighed in with 16 touches - including two shots at goal in his 33-minute run-out at the Vitality Stadium.
Defensively he managed only one tackle.
However, it was the one which led to Gayle’s opener as it allowed Allan Saint-Maximin to push forward.
Whether Bruce is able to go with Longstaff again at No 10 on Sunday remains to be seen.
However, he knows he has a big option for the future in the young Geordie schemer.