Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Thu 26 March 2026 7:10, UK

Sean Longstaff’s omission at Leeds United has been baffling to say the least.

Going back even a few months, Longtsafff was playing a crucial role in a Leeds side that were picking up results on the regular, only to have his progress halted by an injury.

The expectation was that he would be eased back into the starting 11 when he returned from the sidelines, but that has not been the case at all.

For one reason or another, Daniel Farke has completely frozen him out in the Premier League, with the likes of Ilia Gruev and even Ao Tanaka picked ahead of him.

And with Leeds still in the relegation conversation, his continued omission will be cause for debate behind the scenes at Elland Road.

Sean Longstaff’s omission points towards unseen issues

This is purely speculation, but when taking into account just how impressive and important he was for Leeds, how has that suddenly diminished?

The former Newcastle midfielder has yet to start a single Premier League game for the Whites this year, while also having only made an appearance in five of them.

Prior to his recent absence, Longstaff was averaging 2.09 chances created per game, which placed him in the top 7.2 per cent of Premier League midfielders.

And with three goal involvements, he was certainly having a say in some big games for Leeds.

His omission is certainly not down to a lack of quality, as we’ve all seen, but perhaps something behind the scenes.

How does Daniel Farke reintegrate Longstaff?

It’s simple, at least on paper.

Gruev has done very little this season to warrant the level of gametime he has received, while also playing a very similar role to Longstaff.

The only difference is that Longstaff does it better.

If Farke wants to keep Leeds in the Premier League, he needs to get Longstaff back into his starting 11 and put any issues behind him, if there are any at all.

Not only will his quality in the middle of the park get the Whites over the line, but his experience in the top flight will also play a crucial role ahead of the final seven games of the season.