Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Sean Longstaff has been the unsung hero of Newcastle United's season.

The midfielder has been in fantastic form as part of Eddie Howe's setup at the club.

While Longstaff is not a huge name or a recent signing, Merson believes he should get as much credit as the likes of Bruno Guimaraes.

He told Sky Sports: "He's done great, he has legs in midfield. Bruno is the star man, he's the man that gets on the ball, but you have to have legs around him.

"With him having legs around him, people like him [Longstaff], Joelinton, that gives Bruno the time on the ball to spray it round the pitch. They all accommodate each other - exactly like Liverpool used to be like a couple of years ago, with Henderson, Firmino and people like that.

"They complemented each other and they're the ones pushing everyone on. He's been outstanding.

"I thought the second goal [against Southampton], in my opinion, is goal of the season so far. I thought it was outstanding play, the team play down the left, the one-two down the line, the run by Almiron and the pull back then the run in the box.

"I mean, it's unstoppable it was like Frank Lampard. Fair play to the lad, he's got his head down, he's been in and out the team for a few years. He got in and then back out.

"He's probably one of the first names on the team-sheet. People might raise and eyebrow there and say 'don't be silly.' He's got the legs in midfield, he's an unsung hero.

"He does a lot of the hard graft for them and that's why they are where they are. Defensively, when Southampton really asked the questions they were solid as a rock."