MATT LONGSTAFF is the talk of the toon, thanks to his stunning performance against Manchester United. The red-headed midfielder downed the Red Devils in a 1-0 win at St James’ Park to ease the pressure off Steve Bruce’s side, and became an instant hero. Earlier this summer, the 19-year-old shone during his first pre-season with […]
MATT LONGSTAFF is the talk of the toon, thanks to his stunning performance against Manchester United.
The red-headed midfielder downed the Red Devils in a 1-0 win at St James’ Park to ease the pressure off Steve Bruce’s side, and became an instant hero.
Earlier this summer, the 19-year-old shone during his first pre-season with the first team.
He fulfilled a “dream” by playing with Sean in the senior side during Newcastle’s Premier League Asia Trophy win over West Ham in China earlier this month.
Longstaff then started a preseason friendly defeat at Preston, when he was replaced at half-time by his older sibling.
And since then he has been blooded into Bruce’s Newcastle side – in what has been a real baptism of fire.
The Longstaffs are the first brothers to play in the Toon’s first team since Shola Ameobi and Sammy Ameobi.
As a local lad growing up, you always dream of playing for Newcastle United.”
Matty Longstaff
But while they are both central midfielders – and Matty was mistaken for Sean by Chinese fans during the club’s pre-season tour – they are very different players.
Sean was compared to ex-England star Michael Carrick when he made his breakthrough last season because of his posture and passing style – and the fact he was used in a holding role.
Matty is smaller, so does not have the same long stride.
But he is a busy box-to-box player, who chases down defenders and his athleticism has amazed coaches on Tyneside.
The tenacious ginger starlet is versatile, having previously played as a right-back and a No10.
But Longstaff’s best position is in the middle with the license to push further forward than Sean.
Like his brother, he has never been picked in any of England’s youth teams.
Yet he is likely to be looked at by the Three Lions’ age-group scouts if his pre-season progress continues into the new campaign.
Longstaff, whose dad David played ice-hockey for Great Britain, said: “I’m trying to soak everything in like a wet sponge.
“I want to try and take everything in and become a better player and hopefully get to where the first-team players are at.
The fans are always amazing. Growing up, I was one of them and I loved it.”
“I can’t thank the manager enough for giving me a chance.
“Every chance I get I will keep trying to take.
“At the minute, I just want to keep enjoying it and try to learn from all the pros to get better.
“As a local lad growing up, you always dream of playing for Newcastle United.
“The fans are always amazing. Growing up, I was one of them and I loved it.”
