Newcastle United have spent mega money on top level talent, and now boast various world class players.

In the eyes of Sean Longstaff, Newcastle United have five world class players – Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

The latter was at Newcastle before the takeover, while the other four arrived for around £200million. They are some of the most expensive players in Newcastle’s history.

Yet for all that money spent, it is Sean Longstaff who is proving to be pivotal to this Newcastle United team.

Longstaff was exceptional against Arsenal on Saturday, as the Magpies won 1-0 at St James’ Park. It was a tremendous display from the local lad, having started the previous four Premier League games on the bench.

But the 27-year-old has shown his importance since coming back into the side, and has been the difference between winning and losing.

Sean Longstaff ‘deserves the credit’ after Newcastle win

Despite all of the investment and the quality that Howe has in his squad, there is still a space in the team for Longstaff.

And pundit Robbie Earle believes that the midfielder deserves a lot of credit for that, naming Longstaff as his underappreciated Premier League player of the week for NBC Sports.

“For all the big stars who are on big money, a young academy kid who comes in, gives his all, who’s an important part of a magnificent win in a certain style of football,” he said.

“Sean Longstaff, and players like him, deserve the credit that he can find a spot next to Guimaraes and Joelinton without Tonali. He can find a place ahead of people who you’ve spent millions of dollars on.

“I liked Livramento, I liked Hall, but something about Sean Longstaff in that game against Arsenal stood out for me. That’s why they win. That’s why this football club means so much to people in black and white. One of their own gives 100% of everything he’s got, whether he’s on the pitch or not on the pitch.”

Sean Longstaff is completely selfless for Newcastle United

Longstaff thinks that Joe Willock is the most underrated player at Newcastle, but it is probably himself.

He really is a pivotal component in Eddie Howe’s team. The work he does, particularly off the ball, is so valuable, and it is why the Newcastle United manager always wants him in his team.

If you compare Tonali to Longstaff, it is obvious who should be starting for Newcastle. Yet right now you look at the Newcastle team and there is simply no way you do not pick Longstaff. His role is so important, despite most of his positive work going unnoticed.

He really is underappreciated, and perhaps always will be. But Longstaff is a completely selfless player who does an incredible job for the team. It is always about the team – there is nothing selfish about Sean Longstaff.

Longstaff says he will always be a good teammate, and that is exactly what he was on Saturday against Arsenal. His display was outstanding, despite the immediate shock at him being in the Toon starting XI ahead of an elite player like Tonali.

The academy graduate is surrounded by superstar midfielders, yet still finds a way to be effective in a black and white shirt.

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