Eddie Howe has done some fine work with the players he inherited at Newcastle United.
The likes of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron are perhaps the best examples of the improvements Howe is able to yield out of players but they are far from the only Newcastle stars to have seen their careers transformed since his appointment.
Take Sean Longstaff, for example.
There was much excitement about the academy graduate upon his initial breakthrough under Rafa Benitez but he struggled to convince under Steve Bruce.
Longstaff then became a hugely important presence under Howe last season before struggling at times this year – albeit he is far from alone in that.
Context in regards to his malaise is important. Howe hailed the 26-year-old as an “unsung hero” for playing through injury this season, with Longstaff needing to step up amid so many other absences in the engine room.
Longstaff does not always convince and can often be something of a divisive figure amongst supporters but continues to have Howe’s backing.
Indeed, the midfielder has now shared some insight into a meeting between the two.
Newcastle’s ‘unsung hero’ now admits Eddie Howe asked him for a meeting about his form
Speaking after scoring during Saturday’s big win over Burnley, Longstaff admits Howe “pulled” him for a chat regarding recent performances.
“I had a good chat with the manager this week,” he told NUFC TV.
“He pulled me and reaffirmed to me all the positives that I bring to the team. Sometimes it’s nice to have that conversation and the timing was really good.
“Sometimes you can get caught up in everything that’s going on outside. What people are saying, I can’t control that. Ultimately, all I can do is play football and, whatever people say, people say. It is what it is.
“He believes in me and I really appreciate it. He and his staff have been great with me since they walked in the door. He’s a special person.”
Sean Longstaff will have played a key role for Newcastle this season
In an ideal world, Longstaff probably wouldn’t have made 27 Premier League starts this season. Had Howe been able to call on all his options this year, it would not be much of surprise to have seen him select Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali as his main midfield three.
Still, for a variety of reasons, that has proven impossible.
Though Longstaff frustrates at times, he’s still scored five goals while registering two assists this season.
Clearly someone rated by Howe, it’s brilliant to see him backing the player.
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