Roker Report’s 3 To Watch: Newcastle U21s - Prolific striker a cause for concern for Sunderland?

#51 - Elias Sörensen

Position: Striker - EFL Trophy Apps: 4 - EFL Trophy Goals: 4

The 19-year-old Danish striker is in terrific form this season and it’s no surprise our rivals up the road have been demanding to see him given a shot at first team action.

Sorensen has scored in every Checkatrade Trophy for the Magpies under-21 side this term and has 19 goals in total for the season - including the equalizer their 3-2 win over our Under-23 side last week at Eppleton Colliery. He’s also currently the top-scorer in the Premier League 2.

Described as a “wonderkid” when brought from Denmark as a 16-year-old, Sorensen has developed into one of the hottest prospects in the country and whether Jack Ross entrusts his first-choice defensive partnership of Baldwin and Flanagan, or back-up Alim Ozturk, we have to be wary of the talented youngster tonight.

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#36 - Sean Longstaff

Position: Midfielder - EFL Trophy Apps: 3 - EFL Trophy Goals: 0

The midfielder is one of a few that are likely to line up for Newcastle’s U-21 side tonight that has significant league experience - albeit not for his parent club.

Last year, the 21-year-old proved a massive hit on loan at League One Blackpool, appearing a total of 42 times, hitting eight goals. He also spent time at SPL side Kilmarnock in 2017, where he also showed a knack for scoring from midfield.

Whilst he hasn’t looked as impressive in Newcastle U-21’s season this term, he is still capable of punishing defenses if allowed to roam too far forward. He was also linked to Rangers and Bournemouth last year.

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#37 - Callum Roberts

Position: Midfielder - EFL Trophy Apps: 4 - EFL Trophy Goals: 3

Born in South Shields, the attacking midfielder/winger is another player who’s enjoyed an good season both in the PL2 and the Checkatrade Trophy.

The 21-year-old hasn’t appeared for the Newcastle first-team since making a substitute appearance in the FA Cup back in 2015, but has gained exposure to first team football at Kilmarnock and Gateshead, where he made ten and three appearances respectively.

Although both loans weren’t exactly roaring successes, it could be seen that the youngster is blooming a little later than his peers as he is currently enjoying a terrific season that has seen him hit eleven goals in just fifteen games, with three of those goals coming in the Checkatrade Trophy.

He also turned in a man of the match performance during Newcastle U-21’s impressive victory over Doncaster Rovers earlier in the competition.

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