Sean Longstaff has earned high praise from the Leeds United fanbase after his starring role in the draw with Bournemouth.
Having been selected on the bench for Leeds’ first two Premier League games of the season, Sean Longstaff is establishing himself as a crucial cog in the Whites’ midfield.
Longstaff produced an all-action display against Bournemouth, winning duels, creating chances and scoring Leeds’ second goal with a right-footed finish from the edge of the box.
Despite having last season’s player of the year, Ao Tanaka, available after injury, Daniel Farke has kept faith with Longstaff and was rewarded with an impressive performance in the middle of the park.
Now, Longstaff has been compared to a legendary figure from Leeds’ Premier League past after being voted as man of the match for his performance against the Cherries.
Sean Longstaff compared to legendary Leeds United figure
Longstaff was chosen as the fans’ man of the match in a poll on the official Leeds United X (formerly Twitter) account, earning 51% of the vote.
Leeds fans were full of praise for the midfielder’s display in the replies, as one fan stated: “Since the Newcastle game, he really has been fantastic. Settled in now, and this man will and can get better. Great performance again yesterday. Work horse, 86th minute, he was still fresh like he just came on.”
Another fan believes Longstaff has all of the qualities to make him a firm favourite at Elland Road, stating: “Such a typical Leeds fan favourite. Played so well.”
Tanaka was limited to a bit-part role from the bench for the Bournemouth game, and one fan believes he could struggle to earn his place back, arguing: “I don’t care how good Tanaka is, you don’t drop a tank like this.”
Leeds paid £12 million to bring Longstaff to the club from Newcastle, and one fan believes this represents a bargain, stating: “£12 million in this day and age is crazy!”
Another invoked a comparison to one of Leeds’ greatest Premier League midfielders, as they posted: “Looks like a Lee Bowyer mark two in those clips.”
Longstaff praises special Elland Road atmosphere
Speaking to LUTV after the game, Longstaff praised the atmosphere at Elland Road after he scored his first goal for the club.
According to Longstaff, there is no better place to play in the Premier League than the famous old ground when the crowd gets behind the team.
The Leeds midfielder said: “It’s really special. Like I said, I’ve played here a few times and whenever the crowd get up, you always feel like at least we’re going to score and now to have that on your side is a massive privilege really.
“I think coming here and playing every week is something that I definitely don’t take for granted. I’m looking to do that for as long as possible.
“Hopefully we can keep putting in performances and picking up points to stay in the league because ultimately, there’s nothing better than playing in this stadium when it’s in the Premier League.”
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