Exclusive:'I think' - Sean Longstaff's position in Leeds United pecking order assessed by Tony Dorigo
Tony Dorigo has assessed the possibility of Sean Longstaff playing a more prominent role at Leeds United
Leeds United icon Tony Dorigo believes pre-season is “really important” for Sean Longstaff after the midfielder’s mixed debut campaign at Elland Road.
The 28-year-old ended a lengthy association with his boyhood club Newcastle United last summer, joining Leeds for a reported £12m plus add-ons.
He was a regular fixture in Daniel Farke’s midfield in the early stages of last season but after a spell out injured, Longstaff struggled to force his way back into the starting XI.
The midfielder recently featured in all three of Leeds’ USA tour friendlies, getting on the scoresheet against Wrexham and Liverpool.
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Tony Dorigo on Sean Longstaff
Assessing the possibility of Longstaff playing a more prominent role next term, Dorigo told The Yorkshire Post: “He certainly played well against Wrexham and I think pre-season's really important for him, because there's no doubt he will have had big aspirations coming to Leeds last season and being a really important player and playing plenty of games.
“He started well enough and then an injury unfortunately got him out of the side and he never really fully recovered and got back in the side as he would have liked. That would have been frustrating but he's been really professional.
“When he did come on last season, he scored a couple of vital goals as well. No doubt he'll want more that. The only way to show it is by playing. These pre-season games, I think for Sean, will be really important. I'm sure someone of his experience understands the situation.
“But for Leeds, a fit and playing well Sean Longstaff will be a real bonus, and let's see if he can break into that midfield.”
Competition in Leeds United’s midfield
Longstaff has been reliable in Leeds colours but competition for minutes in the heart of midfield is stern. At Farke’s disposal are Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and club captain Ethan Ampadu.
Dorigo said: “Clearly, it's going to be tough, because Ao Tanaka's form at the end of last season was extremely good. And you look at Ampadu and Stach, really top players in there.
“The formation will be interesting and we'll see if Sean Longstaff can squeeze in.”