A lot can happen in a year. In 2020 alone we’ve had a global pandemic shake the very fabric of society to its core.
Among all the carnage, it’s very easy to forget the 12 months ago, Matty Longstaff announced himself to the Premier League by scoring a belter in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Manchester United…on his debut.
That looked like the beginning of something.
The midfielder put in a dominant midfield display and rifled the winner past David de Gea, with the youngster tipped for greatness in the North East.
Then, months later, he scored his second goal in the reverse fixture, a 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
But fast forward to now, and Longstaff finds himself sidelined with injury, and on the fringes of the Magpies first team.
How can he break back in?
Well, firstly he has to get himself available. The 20-year-old has played just 15 times for Newcastle, nine of those in the Premier League.
A recovery from injury could lead to a run in the first team where he can again show Steve Bruce what he can do.
Further to that, he has to displace Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey and perhaps even his older brother Sean too. Longstaff junior is currently down the pecking order when it comes to Newcastle’s midfielders. Jeff Hendrick has played predominantly on the right, bu the Irish midfielder would prefer to play centrally too.
What also makes things harder for the player is that Bruce will be in no mood to shake things up following the club’s fantastic start to the season. The Magpies have taken seven points from 12, and with a great set of summer signings they look a much better side than last season.
Longstaff needs to get fit, show what he can do in training, and take his chances on the pitch when they come. Key players will get injured and there will be opportunities while the Magpies remain in the League Cup where he will also expect some game time should he return to fitness in time.
The manager must have faith in him, because in August Longstaff signed a new two-year-contract with the club.
Time is on his hands, but now in his 20s, Longstaff’s biggest fans will expect him to realise some of that great early potential.
The talent is there, but he must take all his chances if he wants to relive the highs of that goal against Manchester United.
