The season we finished 3rd, were competing for the title until the last few games, and did our Champions League heroics, Shola played 39 games.
My point is underrated/unsung players can from key parts of successful squads. Ie you would never really associate Shola with those 3 achievements. Just look at Man U, when players like Wes Brown and John OShea regularly won the league.
Ok. But I said Longstaff should be replaced in the starting 11, you're talking about unsung squad players. Shola was subbed on 24 of the 39 games in the 02-03 season. I didn't insinuate Longstaff should be taken before a firing squad.
Hopefully next season we'll have another CM in, and Willock and Longstaff will be 1st and 2nd choice back up options, so 4 or 5th maybe even 6th choice depending on who we buy
Circumstances have dictated that our first choice midfield might not all be fit, and thus Longstaff is often the first choice to go in when that happens, and this has happened a lot this season. So whether he's first choice or not, the reality is he's in the starting line up frequently and a steady performer rather than a weak link.
Why are you pretending no one has ever heard of a 22 man squad before? Ye like if we sign someone Longstaff will still get game time at Newcastle United, he will be in the squad. What was you accusing Tash of earlier? Having a eureka moment? So like, why shouldn't we sign a better midfielder if available? Because Longstaff is alive? There's no point your making lol your being a contrarian for its own sake.
Urgh, was trying to have a normal conversation here but you seem to have some stupid axe to grind with me. Goodbye.
Like Joelinton he works very hard, especially to get the ball back. He doesn’t score or assist many goals, or provide many defence-splitting passes. Doesn’t shoot much or have many headers at goal. Has the odd misplaced pass and doesn’t seem to be a tough tackler. His type of player, certainly in the squad is needed and I guess he’ll improve a bit. But only a bit. I feel I’ve been hard. I might be being too hard.
Longstaff deserves his chance. Had played ok all season and is part of the team that has got us to where we are. He’s consistent at best and does a lot of work. Under rated. We need him.
