A number of Newcastle United supporters have suggested that Matty Longstaff’s performance in their 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday shows that he should have a more prominent role to play in Steve Bruce’s side.
The midfielder has had to bide his time to really make an impact for the Magpies so far this term, with Bruce having preferred the likes of Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick over the 20-year-old. That was despite the Newcastle manager having wanted to keep him at the club in the summer and convincing him to sign a new deal amid interest from Udinese.
Matty Longstaff had made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this season before Bruce threw him in for his first start against Manchester City (Transfermarkt). That was largely down to him needing a reaction to the terrible performance and result at Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals last week.
The 20-year-old has been linked with a move to both Nottingham Forest and Derby County in January, but his eventual appearance in the starting XI might mean that the Magpies look to hold onto him now. Bruce had hinted that he would see how the midfielder performs and give him a chance before considering any loan departure.
Newcastle fans react to Matty Longstaff’s influence against Man City
Many Newcastle fans were keen to point out that he should have a more prominent role to play in the team following his performance against Manchester City, in which he won two tackles and four duels and misplaced only three passes all night (Sofascore).
However, there was one supporter who suggested that his performance could have been more to put him in the ‘shop window’ for a move away.
The best midfield performance of the season. Not much competition though.
— David S (@sneddo_david) December 27, 2020
He's potentially our best midfielder at the club along with Hayden. Them 2 should be starting.
— Craig Longmore ⛳ (@craiglongmore) December 27, 2020
Worked his socks off and was wanting to get on the ball in midfield as well as 2 yards in front of the back 5, like our other midfielders of late. Deserves a few more chances.
— JayB_NUFC (@365Newcastle) December 27, 2020
He showed some really nice touches and pulled off a few decent passes. I thought he was a lot more positive than Sean has been over the last few weeks. Him, Murphy and Darlow were the only positives I thought.
— John (@j8hnj) December 27, 2020
Should be ahead of shelvey without even having to think about it
— Darren Burns (@dazza20102) December 27, 2020
The only box to box midfielder in the squad…should be starting every week.
— jim richardson (@jimrichardson99) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/shawnwatson5/status/1343085821503676416?s=19
