‘Excellent’: Eddie Howe praises Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, says he gives his side ‘a drive’

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Eddie Howe has been speaking about Sean Longstaff ahead of Newcastle v Southampton this weekend and was full of praise for his midfielder.

Longstaff has been one of the surprise packages in the Newcastle XI this season. His performances in the middle of the park have gone quietly unnoticed while the likes of Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes take the limelight.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference this week, it was put to Howe that Longstaff is topping the charts when it comes to fitness and running in matches. And Howe believes Longstaff is bringing something to the table, as he praised his midfielder.

“I think Sean first and foremost has been excellent since he’s come into the team. He does give us a drive and an endurance that when he’s not there, I think we would miss,” Howe said on Sky Sports.

Longstaff has started the last six games for Newcastle, completing 90 minutes. Indeed, the midfielder has only failed to feature in one Premier League game all season.

The 25-year-old was initially seen as a player who might be overlooked given Newcastle’s new riches. But Longstaff has kicked on and now, it seems, is vital to Howe.

TBR’s View: Newcastle need players like Longstaff

Every squad has players like Sean Longstaff. They bring the energy and the legs to the midfield and do the jobs a lot of players don’t like.

That’s not to say Longstaff isn’t a good footballer though. He has contributed in that way as well. Alongside Guimaraes in the middle, he’s been impressive.

With Jonjo Shelvey coming back, Howe will face a big decision on Longstaff. But for now, there’s no way he’s getting dropped. The Mags have won five of those last six he’s started. That stat speaks for itself and Longstaff, for now, won’t be going anywhere.