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da heads bet： Newcastle United supporters have been delighted with the quality of Sean Longstaff’s performances since he broke into the side against Chelsea, and a recent report suggests that his growing reputation extends beyond the North East.
What’s the word?
According to a recent report published by The Chronicle, Longstaff is being monitored by England after impressing in recent weeks, with his success in nullifying the threat of Christian Eriksen cited as an indicator to illuminate the standard of his performance on Saturday.
England’s U21 team are set to face Poland and Germany during the next international break, and Aidy Boothroyd could be inclined to call him up for the very first time.
The same report claims that Ireland and Scotland have looked into his family history in the past to assess his eligibility, but he is only available to represent England at international level.
Mature and game-changing performance against Man City could be the key
Longstaff has been impressive in a handful of outings so far this season, but it was his ability to restrict a typically fluid Man City side from building any momentum which particularly impressed.
The 21-year-old academy product was a relentless worker alongside Isaac Hayden in midfield, depriving City of expressing their flair and creativity in condensed central areas.
His moment of genius, though, arrived with the score tied at 1-1 as he showcased a maturity beyond his years to sniff out the opportunity to dispossess Fernandinho and ultimately win the penalty which enabled Newcastle to claim all three points.
The manner in which Longstaff outsmarted the Brazilian lynchpin – comfortably the best midfield anchor in the Premier League right now – was indicative of his enormous potential to grow in the game; the awareness and anticipation of the interception was outstanding for a player of his limited experience.
The faith Rafa Benitez has placed in Longstaff’s ability has clearly provided him with the confidence to express himself at the top level, and an international call-up would represent just reward for his fine start to life in Newcastle’s senior squad.