Daniel Farke says Leeds are ‘blessed’ to have Sean Longstaff in their ranks

Daniel Farke said Leeds were “blessed” to have Sean Longstaff after the midfielder’s man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.

Longstaff volleyed in off a post to put Leeds in front early in the second half at Elland Road after Joe Rodon’s header before the interval had cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s free-kick for the visitors.

The £12million summer signing from Newcastle’s first Leeds goal – he also provided the corner for Rodon’s equaliser – looked to have sealed it for Farke’s side before Bournemouth’s teenage substitute Eli Kroupi struck at the far post in the third minute of stoppage time.

Farke said of Longstaff’s display: “An outstanding performance, a man-of-the-match performance. He scored a goal and there was an assist.

“His workload against the ball, his composure on the ball, his tactical understanding, also body language and leadership on the pitch and off the pitch – we are pretty blessed to have him.

“This is what leaders are doing and if they’re then also a great talker, and then can inspire them also with some words, yes this is top, and this is what Sean is also is capable of.

“But for me, the most important thing is more or less that he leads by example on the pitch.”

Leeds sit mid-table after taking eight points from their first six games following promotion, while Bournemouth remain in the top six, three points better off.

Cherries skipper Ryan Christie admitted his side were pleased to leave Elland Road with a point, having trailed in time added on, and hailed their resilience.

Christie told AFCB TV: “The way it went, we are probably happy with a point to be honest.

“The game went as we thought it would in terms of their physicality and in a high-energy stadium, they feed off that.

“But with this squad, even though you’re away from home, you never feel like you’re out of the game

“There is a resilience throughout the whole squad, which is a credit to the boys, especially when we have had the turnaround of players we’ve had this summer.

“I think everyone is feeding into this mindset of pulling together, the whole squad as one.

“It’s not just the starters and the bench and that’s it – there’s a real togetherness.”

Next up for Leeds is another home game against Tottenham in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, while Bournemouth face Fulham on Friday night at the Vitality Stadium.