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da esport bet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
At 21-years-old already, Sean Longstaff is a bit of a late starter when it comes to the modern Premier League prospect. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden have forged a new path for fresh-faced teenagers bursting onto the scene at the highest level, and now the age of what constitutes a young player is significantly different.
The Newcastle midfielder has not represented England at any level in his fledgling career, and with that in mind, it does feel like a case of featuring for the seniors, or bust.
But, with Gareth Southgate looking to implement a possession-based approach more in line with the other big nations in Europe, Longstaff’s absence from the latest Three Lions squad is surprising to say the least. The Newcastle-born ace has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the past six months for his boyhood side, and has firmly established himself as a first-team starter at the club.
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Such were his impressive performances, that former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez paid him a remarkable compliment by acknowledging the comparisons between the 21-year-old and Michael Carrick. The Spaniard said: “I can see that (the Carrick likeness). But, at this stage, Sean has more mobility and stamina. Certainly he has the technique and he can use both feet as well.”
Isn’t Benitez’s description exactly the kind of midfielder England could do with? Looking at Southgate’s squad, the only current central midfielders at his disposal are Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Declan Rice and Harry Winks. Hardly players who seem like they could dictate the tempo of a game a la Xavi or Andres Iniesta, or even Carrick for that matter.
But Longstaff’s composure and use of the ball marks him out as such an ideal player for the Three Lions’ new style of play. Add to that his industrious approach – he registered 1.9 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game last season – and England could have a midfielder to dominate the game.
After all, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola even admitted his side “could not deal” with the midfielder and his teammate Isaac Hayden when the Magpies inflicted a shock defeat on the Etihad side earlier this year.
If Southgate is intent on transforming England’s approach and giving opportunities to players who deserve it, then Longstaff really should be at the top of his list.
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