A big problem with many of the academy players that have been given a chance for the last 20 years, at least for midfielders and attackers, is that they have not had the physicality and/or pace needed in the PL. While they are no technical wonders, there's a reason why Carroll, Ameobi, Dummett and Taylor have been our most successful youth products in that time period. If f.ex Armstrong was a bit taller and stronger, I bet he would (if not sold on to a better team) still be playing for us. Same goes for the northern irish midget twig that played out wide who I cannot remember the name of, Chopra and maybe Donaldson. It seems the Longstaff brothers lack what is neccessary to succeeed as well, although playing consistently out of neccessity rather than actually being good enough.
Hope this guy has what it takes. Nothing more fun that to watch a local guy do well in the team. Watching Carroll tearing it up in that half season back in the prem, S. Longstaff bossing the midfield in those 8 or so games before his injury under Benitez was in a way just as enjoyable as watching HBA play.
