Just six months ago, Macaulay Langstaff was providing the finishing touches to his best and most prolific season in the game, scoring a brace against Hereford United to reach 32 goals for Gateshead as they sealed the National League North title and promotion into the fifth tier.
Within three weeks of Gateshead's achievement, he was signing for one of the National League's heavyweights in Notts County, working under former Bristol City under-23 coach Luke Williams, and his speed of progression has rapidly increased at Meadow Lane.
In his first season at that level, Langstaff has 18 goals in 20 games to earn the moniker of the "National League Haaland" and unsurprisingly as Championship clubs, bereft of significant money to spend in the window, search for value in the market, their gaze has fallen upon Langstaff.
Football Insider reported earlier this week that City, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Preston North End are all keeping a close eye on the forward with the Magpies preparing for a January transfer window of constant speculation over their star man and prized asset.
Langstaff is under contract until 2024, so County are in control of the situation to an extent, although every player has a price. Whether or not one of those aforementioned clubs has the requisite funds to even get to that conversation remains to be seen.
Certainly from City's perspective, manager Nigel Pearson has been honest and upfront that there is no money to spend unless there is a significant sale out of Ashton Gate.
But to find out a little more about the man of the moment, we spoke to Nottinghamshire Live's Notts County correspondent Oliver King for his expert take on the promising striker...
Can you sum up what sort of season Langstaff is having?
It's nothing short of remarkable. Having come up from the division below the National League, many questioned his ability at this level, but he has most certainly answered those critics.
Has his rapid impact been a surprise? And what’s been the secret?
A little, but as the season has progressed I can see why he has been successful. The way in which he reads the game is something of EFL standard, and that can be seen given his goal to game ratio so far. The secret has to be his predatory instincts. He is never standing still and is always on the move inside the area. A lot of his goals this season have been down to anticipating what others simply do not see.
What sort of striker is he, and what system/style of play brings out the best in him?
Of his 18 goals this season, all of them have come inside the box. He likes to be involved in the build-up, but he comes alive inside the penalty area. He often played on the wing during his time at Gateshead and has the capabilities to perform in that role, but has been deployed as a central striker this campaign and is reaping the rewards.
He is quick, excellent in the press and looks to play in between the two central defenders to receive passes. His goal-scoring exploits have also provided goals for others in the team, with defenders so focused on stopping him, it allows the players around him to pick up dangerous positions, often unmarked.
What are his main strengths?
His vision of the bigger picture stands out. He is continually on the move and looking to capitalise on what comes next. He is often the instigator of the press and works tirelessly every game. The term 'Fox in the Box' comes to mind, and when the ball is in the penalty area, he rarely misses.
And also, his weaknesses?
His build-up play is good, but it could also be better. That being said, Langstaff has provided a number of assists this campaign along with his goals, so that could be slightly critical. For me, there is no standout weakness in his game.
What’s Notts County’s position over his future? If they were to sell what sort of fee would they require?
In an interview done with the owners, they said an extraordinary offer would only be considered. Given he is a National League player and how much he means to Notts in their quest for promotion this season, I would not be surprised if the club would be looking close to £1,000,000 to secure his services.
In your opinion, does he have the attributes to play at Championship level?
Most certainly. Whilst it is a huge step up in quality, I have no doubts he will be a huge success should he move. It would have been interesting to see him up against teams in the EFL during the FA Cup, but unfortunately Notts fell at the first hurdle. With City needing goals, and I say this through gritted teeth, I feel as though he would be a good addition to the squad.
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