Leeds United midfielder Sean Longstaff has been one of the best signings of Leeds’ summer transfer window, with Joe Hart providing his verdict.
Leeds United sealed the signing of the long-term target this summer, with Sean Longstaff arriving after spending his whole career at his boyhood club, and with Leeds paying Newcastle United £15 million.
Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Longstaff are voted Leeds’ best signings so far, with each improving the team both in and out of possession.
It’s for his approach to the latter that has seen Longstaff labelled as ‘underappreciated’ already. He appears to be growing in stature in a Leeds shirt by the game at present.
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Joe Hart’s verdict on Sean Longstaff’s Leeds United importance
Daniel Farke claims Longstaff is becoming a leader. That same sentiment regarding Longstaff’s leadership is shared by Anton Stach as well.
Now a regular pundit for BBC Sport’s Match of the Day, Joe Hart was also speaking during the game between Leeds and Spurs on TNT Sports. He had particular praise for the type of player Longstaff is, with the central midfielder well-suited to a side like Leeds.
He said: “[Longstaff] feels like a real Elland Road player. I think [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin as well — the kind of players who can get the fans up, get them going, really strong.
“[Longstaff] has had some big moments already in a Leeds shirt. Frustrating times at his boyhood club Newcastle but he’s got a real opportunity in the Premier League to establish himself.
“Unflashy; I know it’s not a label you want but important is a label he’d want. And he’ll certainly be an important player in this team.”
It’s fair to say that the latter is becoming more true by the game. Longstaff didn’t start the first two Premier League matches, but he has now started five in a row since.
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Sean Longstaff’s remarkable defensive numbers
The 27-year-old’s dogged and determined nature has been underlined elsewhere, with Longstaff’s tackle numbers particularly strong.
In fact, Opta’s Jonny Cooper has detailed Longstaff’s outstanding displays. The midfielder is robust and doing the role Farke has asked of him out of possession.
However, there is still a fair argument for Leeds needing more guile in midfield going forwards. That may not be for every game, but Ao Tanaka could be a player of benefit in some situations.
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