Eddie Howe continues to get the best out of Newcastle United players who don't always naturally grab the headlines on Tyneside. Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes' talent is clear for all to see but it is the Magpies boss' ability to improve the club's unsung heroes that is really benefitting the north east outfit at present.
Rafa Benitez had a similar quality during his Newcastle stint, as he eked that little bit more from cheap buys and young additions. Much of the Spaniard's work with fringe players was undone under Steve Bruce as the likes of Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff reverted to type following the change in the dugout.
But Longstaff is now one of those players flourishing from Howe's guidance, with the former Bournemouth coach putting an arm round his midfielder's shoulder and championing him in public when some sections of the fanbase weren't so sure as to whether he had a long-term future at his boyhood club.
TAKE PART IN OUR BIG TAKEOVER SURVEY: We want to hear your thoughts ahead of the NUFC takeover anniversary
The local lad penned a new deal recently and has worked his way into contention over recent months with some stellar performances. The back end of last campaign saw Longstaff at his best, excelling in the final games of the campaign as Newcastle surged towards the top-half.
The 24-year-old was on the scoresheet on Saturday and earned the praise of Howe, who admits the academy graduate is one who 'never lets him down' out on the pitch. “The midfield had a good look about it,” said United’s head coach.
“I thought Joe performed really well, Bruno was pivotal to everything we did. I think Sean’s got a really nice way of linking play, being creative – and also being a goal threat. He’s done that most of career.
"He’s scored long-range goals. Today was more of a poacher’s goal for him, but he’s been excellent for me. He’s never let me down. He’s come into today, and put in a really good performance. He’s really knocking on the door to start, which is a great thing for the group.”
Longstaff is now knocking on the door to start, while Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar have cemented their place in the side in recent months. Emil Krafth, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey are other players who were once facing an uncertain future but are now the players Howe looks to on a regular basis.
