Sean Longstaff's return to form has been one of the few positives to take from Newcastle United's winless start to the season, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.
What's the latest news involving Longstaff?
Having made just 15 Premier League starts last season, Longstaff has gone on to become a key player for Steve Bruce's side this term and played the full 90 minutes in Newcastle's last five outings.
The 23-year-old also got his name on the scoresheet as the Magpies secured a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Watford last time out, breaking a personal goalscoring duck dating all the way back to July 2020 when he found the back of the net against Bournemouth.
Longstaff came through the Newcastle ranks and, in 2019, was compared to former Manchester United and England midfielder Michael Carrick, who won the Premier League title five times during a successful career.
However, he has not gone on to progress as quickly as many expected and was even valued at £50million by the Magpies in a bid to deter Manchester United from making a move.
During a BT Sport broadcast two years ago, pundit Martin Keown, via HITC, claimed Longstaff was better than West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice.
What has Liam Kennedy said about Longstaff?
Kennedy believes Longstaff has shown glimpses of his best form during the early weeks of the season.
The midfielder has found more opportunities in the absence of Jonjo Shelvey, who has not featured since the opening day defeat to West Ham United.
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With Newcastle only separated from the Premier League relegation zone by goal difference, Kennedy believes Longstaff's promising performances are among the few highlights for Magpies fans.
He told GIVEMESPORT: "Since he has come in for Jonjo Shelvey, we've actually seen flashes of the Sean Longstaff who started his career at Newcastle United under Rafa Benitez.
"There hasn't been many plus points this season but one of the small ones has been the re-emergence of Sean Longstaff as a potential player at Newcastle United."
Was Longstaff linked with a move away from Newcastle in the summer?
Longstaff has entered the final 12 months of his contract and is yet to agree a new deal.
The midfielder was linked with a switch to Everton during the summer. The speculation came after former Newcastle boss Benitez took charge at Goodison Park.
It has been reported that the Toffees could return for Longstaff when the transfer window reopens in January, with the Merseyside club hoping to lure him away from St James' Park for a cut-price fee.