Young Magpies show no Sign of missing star player after top performance
NEWCASTLE United’s senior players have had a mixed season; no win in 10 games, three wins on the bounce and then back to earth with a thrashing from West Ham.
There have been flashes of brilliance – Salomon Rondon’s header against AFC Bournemouth, or Martin Dubravka’s save against Everton, and of course moments of horror.
But United for the most part, look steady and have a platform to build on going into the new year.
Yet away from the billion-pound game of senior football, the youth side at United have been making headlines under the guidance of Ben Dawson.
They are sixth in Premier League Two having beaten the likes of Manchester United and Aston Villa comfortably, going well in the Premier League Cup, and into the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy having beaten league sides such as Grimsby and Macclesfield.
Players have stood-out; captain Owen Bailey has lead strongly, Elias Sorensen has hit 18 goals, and Cal Roberts has shone.
Those are just three of the players to leave their mark – and it’s not gone unnoticed by Rafa Benitez.
“It is good to see players competing and winning,” Benitez said when asked about their performances.
“If you lose you lose your motivation, but they are competing and doing really well. Winning is ever better.
“I know it was a tough physical game and it is good we are progressing. For the young players every competition is one they should appreciate and improve them.”
Sean Longstaff has been the standout player – a central midfielder who wants to always be on the ball. He’s strong, quick and has the ability to start an attack out of nothing.
The 21-year-old signed a new fouryear-deal earlier this week, and was missing from the U21s’ victory over Macclesfield Town, after being included in the first-team squad for the draw with Everton.
Macclesfield came to St James’ Park bottom of League Two but with a new manager in Sol Campbell, and a spring in their step.
For some teams, losing the player many would say is their star would see the wheels come off.
But not this Newcastle side, and a fantastic performance saw them win 5-3 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in a game they lead for the most part.
Dawson, who has overseen the team’s transformation was happy to see the other youngsters step forward and step-up in the absence of Longstaff.
“It is,” Dawson replied when asked if it was nice to see others stepping up.
“Sean wasn’t there but it was an opportunity for someone else to play – young Olly Walters gets an opportunity, unorthodox playing at right-back as a left-footer – I thought he was terrific given the occasion, and the stage, having to step in and play out position.
“We get the chance to play Matty [Longstaff] and Owen Bailey in the middle of the pitch and we’ve got some good options on the bench to give them an opportunity.
“So it’s always nice if someone does set-up [to the first team] which is great but it means another opportunity for someone else.”