Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce has tried to play down any comparisons with Rafa Benitez - but with the new season just around the corner he faces a similar dilemma to the one facing the former Real Madrid boss 12 months ago.
Back then Sean Longstaff was told to unpack his bags after getting ready for a season-long loan move to Portsmouth in League One.
Benitez had seen enough of the midfielder to know he would be ready to step into the first team if needed and while Longstaff was more concerned about getting game-time under his belt, the decision proved to be exactly right.
Longstaff took to the first team stage like a duck to water, now his younger brother Matty is doing likewise.
Of all the youngsters involved in pre-season, it seems to be the battling midfielder that is taking his chance and he is likely to get another run out at Preston North End this weekend.
Longstaff junior, still just 19, impressed in both the clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers and then the third place play-off against West Ham.
He never stopped running during those two appearances but more importantly he never looked daunted.
The midfielder was close to the top of the list of new loan manager Shola Ameobi's quota for those going out to gain more experience.
But suddenly, Bruce has a decision to make.
Longstaff is capable of stepping into midfield if injuries cut into Bruce's squad but he can also play in a host of positions.
He played at right-back last season for the Under-23s one week, then stepped up to play number 10 in the Checkatrade Trophy win at Notts County and won man of the match.
Matty is also reliable from set-pieces and it was little wonder England Under-20 scouts started to turn out regularly for reserve games last term.
Bruce is taking a good look at Longstaff junior in pre-season before deciding whether he stays or goes, he said: "Sean’s brother played really well in the 20 minutes against West Ham. I thought he was excellent.
"There’s nothing better than a young one coming through.
"Probably Sean was thrown in at the deep end and he swam straight away.
"If they’re good enough, there’s nothing better than a young player coming through.
"We’ll try and do that, give them the chance."
Longstaff's maturity for a teenager is also there for all to see.
Alongside his brother Sean, Newcastle have some great options.
Amid a tough summer, the emergence of two home-grown youngsters is something that the club's Academy have been celebrating.
He spoke well after the West Ham game and said: "If someone had said we’d play this pre-season for the first team, I wouldn’t have believed them.
"It was a proud moment for the family back home watching."
Longstaff senior remains a target for Manchester United with the Red Devils considering another bid.
If Newcastle resist it they will be applauded for their ambition but if they decide to take it, they have the next cab off the rank in his younger brother.
