But for me that’s the point. If Joelinton and Willock are fit then Longstaff doesn’t play. He’s only playing because they are both injured and have been for protracted periods especially Willock this season. Last season that wasn’t the case and Longstaff played a lot less. He is a squad player but due to injuries he’s playing. Edit: Or you could simply what Fat Boy said above or add Tonali to my comments. Read to the end before……
Weak challenge in the turnover of possession for their 2nd. I'd be furious with myself if I competed like that.
Just to clarify my mattress moisture - dry. Longstaff is a squad player, playing up a few rungs due to injuries. We said last year he had to drop down the order - cue Tonali. He'll gradually play less and less, but will likely be here fora long time due local lad / homegrown status.
Outside the strikers he's 3rd in terms of goal contributions and second top scorer. Does what he does well - not world class but not ****e either despite some opinions. Box to Box midfielder who'll win a few tackles (gold star for the first window licker to bring up City game), get himself a few goals and generally is very good in terms of his positional sense when out of possession. He makes some smart runs in behind and if there was one criticism I'd lie at his door is he doesn't take enough of the glaring 1v1 chances he get's himself into and he can be a bit soft when being opposed for the ball. Not a starting XI player when everyone is fit but I'd be amazed if he doesn't make 20 appearances a season going forwards in the league and then cup games on top.
He’s a good squad player to have to help out when legs are going. That was always his role this season but injuries have destroyed us. And Tonali. It’s amazing how 2 midfielders missing posts the balance. I don’t recall pre Howe us having so many injuries mind.
Yes he's a good enough squad player I would agree with that. I remember having an injury crisis under Steve Bruce and the fans were united in their conviction that he was responsible.
We've had lots of times when there has been an injury crises. We seem to have a history of it. I remember years ago we had about half the squad out all with hamstring pulls.
I can’t recall it being this bad. I guess the days when we played 7 left backs under Pardew maybe were linked to injuries. We have had a horrific season of injuries which is totally bizarre.
I can say with confidence I remember two managers who were particularly atrocious with injuries. Steve Bruce, and Graeme Souness. Souey I seem to recall loved really old school training, running on the beach type ****.
There’s always at least one occasion every match where Longstaff falls over the ball (the wind) trying to get a free kick, doesn’t get it as the refs don’t fall for it anymore and leads to the opposition having a chance. Does my head in when he does that
Indeed but he's one of these players that is never responsible. He's the guy at work who is dreadful in major areas of his job, but never gets any **** from the boss.
I like Gordon Bruno Botman Willock Joelinton Barnes Almiron Isak Livramento and Trippier... maybe Tonali once he's not ruining seasons with his behaviour.... all the others are of no consequence.
