Paul Merson picks out Newcastle's 'unsung hero' and makes goal of the season claim
Paul Merson has described Sean Longstaff as Newcastle United's 'unsung hero', believing his second strike in our semi-final win over Southampton was the goal of the season so far.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit talked about the key role he's playing in the middle of the park, feeling his energy, running and ability to do the dirty work so well has helped 'star man' Bruno Guimaraes to thrive.
Merson describes Longstaff's recent displays as 'outstanding', even claiming he will be one of the 'first names on the team sheet' for Eddie Howe on current form.
The 25-year-old has had his critics in recent weeks, with some criticising big misses in our quarter final clash with Leicester and first leg win over Southampton, but his brace in the all important second leg was fully deserved after a string of tireless displays in our all-action engine room.
Here's what Merson's had to say about Longstaff:
"He's done great, he has legs in midfield. Bruno is the star man, he's the man that gets on the ball, but you have to have legs around him.
"With him having legs around him, people like him [Longstaff], Joelinton, that gives Bruno the time on the ball to spray it round the pitch. They all accommodate each other - exactly like Liverpool used to be like a couple of years ago, with Henderson, Firmino and people like that.
"They complemented each other and they're the ones pushing everyone on. He's been outstanding.
"I thought the second goal [against Southampton], in my opinion, is goal of the season so far. I thought it was outstanding play, the team play down the left, the one-two down the line, the run by Almiron and the pull back then the run in the box.
"I mean, it's unstoppable it was like Frank Lampard. Fair play to the lad, he's got his head down, he's been in and out the team for a few years. He got in and then back out.
"He's probably one of the first names on the team-sheet. People might raise and eyebrow there and say 'don't be silly.' He's got the legs in midfield, he's an unsung hero.
"He does a lot of the hard graft for them and that's why they are where they are. Defensively, when Southampton really asked the questions they were solid as a rock."
