Sean Longstaff stats at Newcastle United that will blow your mind | OneFootball

Sean Longstaff will turn 27 in eight days time.

Fair to say that the Geordie midfielder has been a much debated Newcastle United player over the years.

Some Newcastle United fans having VERY strong views on the local lad.

Sean Longstaff played in all 33 Premier League matches he was available for in the 2022/23 season when NUFC finished fourth, with 28 PL starts and 5PL sub appearances.

Last season Sean Longstaff once again appeared in every Premier League match he was available for, 35 PL appearances with 30 starts and five as a sub.

The Geordie scored six PL goals last season and also the third goal in the 4-1 hammering of PSG, Sean Longstaff starting four and coming on as a sub in the five Champions League games he was available for.

This season, Sean Longstaff started the opening four Premier League matches, before then named on the bench the next four.

So what is Sean Longstaff’s value to Newcastle United?

Well, prepare for your mind to be be blown when you read these stats…

The Athletic reporting on Sean Longstaff – 22 October 2024:

‘Since Eddie Howe took charge, Newcastle’s Premier League win record is 53.6 per cent with Sean Longstaff starting (69 games) and 38.1 per cent when he does not (42 matches). Their points-per-game return (1.9 to 1.4), goals for (2.0 to 1.3) and goals against (1.1 to 1.5) are all better when Sean Longstaff starts, while their loss ratio with the Geordie in the XI is 20.3 per cent with him and 38.1 per cent without him.

Longstaff started the first four league matches this season, when Newcastle were unbeaten (three wins and a draw), but he has been on the bench for the four since, none of which they have won (two losses, two draws).

There does appear to be at least some correlation, if not necessarily a linear one, between Longstaff starting and Newcastle’s results improving and it is something those inside the club are aware of. There are limitations to the 26-year-old’s game. He is not as physically dominant as Joelinton. He does not possess Joe Willock’s running power, nor the technical quality of Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali. But he provides balance to the midfield. His ability to cover ground, provide defensive solidity down the right, and his knack of making underlapping runs into the box are invaluable.

Howe really appreciates what he brings. There is also a recognition that, aside from closing a game out, Longstaff is not an ideal substitute to have in terms of having someone who can come on to positively affect matches. He is better suited to getting Newcastle into a solid position, then being replaced by more of an offensive-minded midfielder if change is required.’

Interesting to see what Eddie Howe does for the Chelsea double match-up and then Arsenal, Sean Longstaff back in the starting eleven?