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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.The problem is it's one dimemsional and unsustainable. Either levels drop - as has happened dramatically this season - or other teams work you out. Look back on the constant defeats and watch as other teams target Bruno - there's only so much running Longstaff can do, before teams stop worrying about him being in possession and press Bruno instead. What's really started to grate on me is Bruno gets ball, is pressed then fouled about 30 yards from our goal - and the fans cheer. It's stupid, because it's a tactic opposition have used to great effect - we can't then counter, and a free kick in that area is irrelevant, they just reset at a canter.
Longstaff, much like Burn, Murphy and Almiron, is no threat in possession and easy to control. He lacks any real vision and his only threat now is his running off the ball. But yesterday for one of their goals their midfield - LUTON's midfield, costing about £3.50 - just cut through him (and Bruno), then watching them try and run back is borderline amusing, particularly Bruno.
Joelinton and Willock in possession are far more dangerous than anyone we currently have, plus both have more pace and Joelinton is a beast at times. Longstaff is nowhere near either. However, both these lads play in the same position!!
I'd keep Longstaff as a squad player. There's so many worse than him.
Weak challenge in the turnover of possession for their 2nd. I'd be furious with myself if I competed like that.Scoring goals wasn’t the problem yesterday.
It was conceding them. We can’t just blame the defence for that.
I don’t think any players played well defensively.
Longstaff however wasn’t at fault for any goals yesterday.
He’s going to score the winner in our first Champions League finalJust 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.
He’s going to score the winner in our first Champions League final
He’s a good squad player to have to help out when legs are going.He's crap man lads.
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.
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.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.
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'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.
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.
Are you saying Longstaff is injuring his own team mates to get a game?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.
Are you saying Longstaff is injuring his own team mates to get a game?
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 thatTechnically yes by avoiding yellow cards in 50/50s . Instead he gives the ball away.
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
Sorry mate but I’m trying to keep a tally here. Is there anyone you actually do like?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.
Sorry mate but I’m trying to keep a tally here. Is there anyone you actually do like?
I thought Isak was made of paperI 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.
