Has Longstaff played himself into the starting XI? - Poll of the Day

[YorkshireSquare]

One of the highlights of the preseason tour of the USA has been the performances of Sean Longstaff.

Hampered by injury last season with game time limited, he has started pre-season like a man with a point to prove. His high energy peformances have often been the stand out so far this season with a couple of goals as well. With Tanaka looking a little uncertain, has Longstaff played himself into the starting XI or will his chances be limited again this season?

[1964white]

With the current squad as it is......YES!

Longstaff has been miles better & effective than Tanaka.

Sean when fit is also a great asset to come on off the bench.

[The Subhuman]

Nope ...

[Ratscoot]

I've voted No, bit on current form, in the current squad he deserves to be, but he's not one of Farkes favourites so I dont think he will be

[Johnthewhite]

I have gone for no, however, he is now alot closer to a starting slot than he was. A full pre-season under his belt and who knows he might force his way into the starting eleven for the opener.

Not sure why, but I feel some would be disappointed if that happened, which is strange as we should want all our players at the top of their form/ability.

[Carrick Dave]

He should have, but I don’t see it.

[The Subhuman]

For me it's Stach or Longstaff, they occupy the same space.. I'm ok with Longstaff starting if Stach is injured, he's the natural replacement. Longstaff is not a DMF..

[weasel]

Like above I think it is Longstaff or Stach alongside Ampadu and then a more dynamic midfielder to make up the 3 which would be Wilson or Aaronsen for me with Okafor supporting DCL.

[Carrick Dave]

For me it's Stach or Longstaff, they occupy the same space.. I'm ok with Longstaff starting if Stach is injured, he's the natural replacement. Longstaff is not a DMF..

You’d think they could sort out who’s 6 & 8 between them. A working midfield of Amps, Stach & Longstaff would not be overrun easily.

[PhoenixUnited]

It's hard to judge on preseason form but it looks as if Longstaff has nosed in front of Tanaka. Neither is a defensive midfielder but Tanaka, at the moment, looks uncertain or short in confidence. So my vote is a "yes" although Stach beats them both hands down

[Chilli D]

I've only seen the highlights of the pre season games so I'm basing my 'no' on if everyone is fit and available.
As Ratscoot said, he isn't one of DF's favourites

[pjm2019]

You’d think they could sort out who’s 6 & 8 between them. A working midfield of Amps, Stach & Longstaff would not be overrun easily.

the issue when playing these 3 with a back 5 it only leaves 2 left. DCL is one so who is the other

[pjm2019]

It's hard to judge on preseason form but it looks as if Longstaff has nosed in front of Tanaka. Neither is a defensive midfielder but Tanaka, at the moment, looks uncertain or short in confidence. So my vote is a "yes" although Stach beats them both hands down

Longstaff is better than Tanaka

[Carrick Dave]

the issue when playing these 3 with a back 5 it only leaves 2 left. DCL is one so who is the other

Wilson.

As long as we have Bogle & Guds providing width, we’d have Wilson and Longstaff supporting DCL in the centre.

[Jammy 07]

Still 3 very competitive pre season games to go so let's wait and see.

Voted no for now as I'd say there are a few starting positions still to be decided upon.

[DDB220]

For me it depends who we are playing, home or away and the tactical setup. If the question is do I see him as a nailed on starter for every game, then the answer is no.

It is clear we have more options this season with the addition of Wilson, we may have more before the window closes. If we do get a midfielder in I suspect we may off load one of Longstaff, Tanaka or Gruev. Which may be down to other clubs interest. The Shea Charles interest may drag on as will potentially Farke’s desire to get a 10.

Too many potential changes on the horizon to jump to any conclusions. I do not place much stock in friendlies at this stage of the season. For me only the last friendly setup provides hints of what Farke has in plan for this season tactically.

[The Subhuman]

Right now, if everyone were fit. Has to be Gruev alongside Ampadu, but he's injured so Tanaka as the better defensive player is next up for me

Still hoping for another DMF, think Farke is too, we've been linked with a few

[Finnatic]

Purely based on last season, our worst run of form was when Ampadu and Longstaff played together, up to the Man City away game.
In my eyes, they made similar instinctive decisions and were both drawn towards the ball, leaving spaces.
However, that was with four at the back.
I can’t remember if they started a game together once we went to five at the back, so maybe it might work if we carry on with that.

Ampadu is unlikely to lose his place so Longstaff would be at a disadvantage in the starting eleven even though he’s better offensively but not defensively than Ampadu.

[Victor_OTT_17]

I have rated him since he came here and I don't believe he deserves the negativity he gets on here. That said: it's him or Stach for me so it has to be a no (not voted). He is good enough though and I do rate him...

[White Riot]

Stach and Ampadu are nailed on starters, so I don't see how Longstaff gets in, other than one of those two getting injured or suspended.

Similarly Aaronson won't get a look in if Wilson is available.

I would expect more quality recruits to come in, so Longstaff is miles off starting for us. He's improved his place in the pecking order, as a substitute, but that's about all.

He'll start in the EFL and FA Cups probably.