Sean Longstaff stole a lot of the headlines on Saturday during Leeds United’s draw against his former club Newcastle United.
For Sean Longstaff, the game on Saturday would have been an emotional one. During the summer, Leeds United signed Longstaff from Newcastle with the 49ers forking out £15m for the 27-year-old midfielder. And Saturday was Longstaff’s first start in the Premier League for his new club.
Against his old employers, Longstaff was very impressive. Jamie Carragher named Longstaff his Man of the Match on Sky Sports, after the midfielder put in a commanding and assured performance as Leeds United picked up their fourth point of the season so far.
Daniel Farke’s side now sit in 10th place of the Premier League table going into the September international break.
Leeds United's Sean Longstaff during friendly against Man United.
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Sean Longstaff suggests Leeds United fans might even be better than Newcastle’s
Born in Newcastle and a product of the Newcastle United youth academy, Longstaff certainly owes his career to his hometown team. But the time came for him to move on this summer, and speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Longstaff was asked to compare the Leeds and Newcastle United fans, and he gave a very interesting answer.
Speaking live on air, Longstaff hailed the Newcastle supporters who travelled to Elland Road on the night, but then suggested that the Leeds United fans might be even better than the Newcastle supporters.
He said: “They’ve [Newcastle] got some of the best travelling fans in the world. But I’ve been lucky enough to join a club whose fans are just as good, if not better. Both really passionate fan bases and pleasure to play in front of both of them.”
Leeds United v Newcastle United - Premier League
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What Sean Longstaff did in 1st half vs Newcastle proves he’s all-in at Leeds United
Straight away during the game on Saturday, it was clear that Longstaff wasn’t going to hold back playing against his former team and his former teammates. In fact, in the early stages, Longstaff planted a tough tackle on Bruno Guimaraes, which commentator Carragher picked up on and hailed the Leeds United player for.
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Carragher said on Sky Sports commentary: “It’s always a tell-tale sign when you’ve got a new signing and you think I’ll leave a challenge on one of my former teammates. But he’s certainly done that, so Leeds supporters certainly can’t question his commitment against his old club… That’s a great way to make a connection with the Leeds supporters, leaving one on Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.”
After what was a mixed pre-season and a mixed couple of opening performances for Longstaff this season, he showed Farke and all the Leeds United fans exactly why he was signed this summer.
His Premier League experience and quality will be vital in keeping Leeds United in the division this season. Next up, Leeds United play Fulham after the international break.