Following Newcastle’s hard-fought victory over Arsenal on Saturday, Alan Shearer took the opportunity to defend Sean Longstaff, emphasizing why the 27-year-old midfielder is often “underappreciated” by many fans on Tyneside. Shearer’s comments came after Longstaff’s return to the starting lineup in recent weeks, following a period where Eddie Howe had opted to bench him in favor of Sandro Tonali. While the decision to drop Longstaff initially raised eyebrows, the team’s form took a noticeable dip, and since his return, the Magpies have enjoyed a significant upturn in results, including a vital win against Arsenal.
Longstaff’s exclusion earlier in the season wasn’t a reflection of his abilities but rather the tactical adjustments Howe made, with Tonali bringing an added dimension to the midfield. That said, the statistics speak for themselves—since Longstaff’s reinsertion into the starting XI, Newcastle has gone on a run of six wins and just one draw in their last seven league outings. This impressive record highlights just how integral Longstaff is to the team’s success, despite not always being the most high-profile player on the pitch.
Shearer was quick to praise Longstaff for his selfless contributions, particularly in the 2-0 and 1-0 victories over Chelsea and Arsenal last week. While Longstaff may not be the most glamorous player—lacking the flair and technical elegance of some of his teammates—his hard work, tenacity, and willingness to put in the dirty work behind the scenes have proven invaluable to the team’s success. Shearer noted that, in many ways, Longstaff’s contributions often go unnoticed because he is a homegrown player who wasn’t bought for a hefty transfer fee—unlike the high-profile signings that command the most attention.
Shearer pointed out a broader trend in football, noting that homegrown players like Longstaff sometimes don’t receive the same level of admiration as players who arrive at clubs with massive price tags attached. He explained, “What happens, and it’s not just at Newcastle, is that if you’re a homegrown player you perhaps don’t always get the same appreciation as someone who comes in for £50m or £60m, and Sean is a great example of that.” In Longstaff’s case, his commitment to the club, his tireless running, and his no-nonsense approach to midfield play are qualities that don’t always catch the eye of fans who tend to focus more on the flashy, more expensive players.
The Newcastle legend went on to commend Longstaff’s relentless attitude, acknowledging that while he may not possess the same technical flair as his midfield counterpart Bruno Guimarães, he compensates for it with a determination to put the team first. Shearer continued, “There’s no one who loves Newcastle more, there’s no one who covers as much ground as he does. He might at times lack a bit of flair, maybe like what Bruno does, but what he lacks in that he more than makes up with his attitude and willingness.”
Ultimately, Shearer emphasized that while Longstaff may not always get the recognition he deserves, especially from sections of the Newcastle fanbase, his contributions are undeniably crucial to the team’s overall performance. The legendary striker said, “He might not be appreciated at times by the Newcastle faithful, but if you look at him, he does incredible work for the team.” Shearer’s comments serve as a reminder of the vital role Longstaff plays in the heart of the midfield, often doing the hard graft that allows the more celebrated stars to shine. For all the praise heaped on the likes of Bruno and other marquee signings, it’s players like Longstaff—unsung and sometimes overlooked—who form the backbone of the team.