Sean Longstaff has 'knuckled down' to become the ideal midfield partner for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United. That is the view of former Magpies defender Warren Barton, who believes Eddie Howe's side miss the academy graduate's 'personality' when he does not play.
Competition for places in Newcastle's engine room is now fierce, with Jonjo Shelvey returning from a long-term injury to give the head coach five options for three spots. However, Longstaff has featured in all of United's Premier League matches so far and has started the last eight top-flight fixtures.
The former Blackpool and Kilmarnock loanee made his senior breakthrough under Rafa Benitez, but had become a peripheral figure in recent seasons due to injuries and a loss of form. Barton believes Longstaff now looks 'fitter', and as a result has been praised for his industry in his recent performances.
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Howe previously described Longstaff as 'unlucky' after losing his starting spot in February, and the midfielder was set to become a free agent in the summer. Longstaff signed a three-year contract in March, and Barton believes he provides the required 'drive and competitive edge' to shine alongside the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Joe Willock.
The pundit told ChronicleLive: "He looks fitter for me, it looks like he's really knuckled down and thought about his career, and thought I want to play for Newcastle. He's a local boy, his drive and his desire...not everyone can be Bruno, or Gary Speed. You need other players with other attributes, and you do miss that drive and competitive edge when he's not there.
"He complements the other two in midfield very well, and he's becoming a very good player. What I like about him is he's shown character, because a few of the fans when it maybe wasn't going well, there was a groan here and there. But he's never hidden, and he's shown good character.
"He's never taken the easy option, he goes out and gives everything, and we miss his personality when he's not involved. He's just got his head down, he's not had any distractions from outside and he's focused on his football. What a wonderful place it is to be for a local boy and to be a starter, he must be walking on water.
"He's showed a good character because it's not easy as a local boy, I've known that through Lee Clark and Steve Watson. But when you're doing well, they love you and they love him at the moment. It's great to see."
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