Sean Longstaff started in midfield for Leeds United against former club Newcastle United on Saturday, putting in a good first 45 for the Whites.
Sean Longstaff left Newcastle United in the summer. The Newcastle-born midfielder spent 19 years with his hometown team, but the time had come for him to move on, and Leeds United signed Longstaff in a £15 million deal.
Longstaff made his first league start for Leeds on Saturday, as Daniel Farke’s side went in search of a positive result after Leeds were beaten 5-0 by Arsenal in their last Premier League outing.
Leeds United v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Jamie Carragher hails Sean Longstaff after crunching tackle in Leeds vs Newcastle United
So far this season, Longstaff has given some mixed performances. But his first 45 at Elland Road on Saturday was arguably his best in a Leeds shirt so far. Starting in the heart of midfield, Longstaff put himself about and made a few good challenges, including one on former team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.
As Guimaraes got in possession, Longstaff chased down the Brazilian, going in from behind but winning the ball fairly and cleanly, and the tackle caught the attention of co-commentator Jamie Carragher who was impressed by Longstaff’s willingness to go in on a former teammate like that.
Carragher said of Longstaff’s tackle on Guimaraes: “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.”
Daniel Farke during Leeds clash v Sheffield Wednesday.
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How Daniel Farke persuaded Sean Longstaff to join Leeds United
Longstaff is someone who Farke has wanted at Leeds for a while now. Last summer and again in January, he tried to bring Longstaff to Elland Road, and now he finally has his man.
Newcastle United fans regret the club selling Longstaff and his first half performance on Saturday, and tackles like his one on Guimaraes, are exactly why he was such a loved player among Newcastle fans.
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But like Carragher says, Longstaff is clearly all about Leeds United now. Speaking earlier in the summer, Longstaff explained how Farke tempted him to sign for Leeds, saying: “He said nice things, but one of the things that struck me from the conversation was, ‘I think I can improve you here, here and here’.
“Straight away, for me, it’s not, ‘We just want to get him here’. He’s obviously had a think and thought, ‘This is what I can improve’, which was massive for me.”
After Newcastle, Leeds United have a two week break, then returning to action away at Fulham.