Eddie Howe delivers honest verdict on Sandro Tonali’s performance vs AC Milan

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The return of Champions League football was special for Newcastle United fans, and it was a special night for Sandro Tonali for very different reasons.

While Newcastle were competing in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, Tonali was back at the club he previously called home.

The Magpies signed the 23-year-old from AC Milan during the summer, and he was back at the San Siro to play against his former side.

He received a wonderful ovation from the home fans ahead of the game, and the applause continued as he donned the black and white of Newcastle rather than the red and black of Milan.

The Italian fans showed a huge amount of respect to Tonali, who was recalled to Eddie Howe’s starting XI after sitting on the bench for the 1-0 win over Brentford.

Tonali played 72 minutes at the San Siro before being replaced by Elliot Anderson, and now Howe has given his verdict on the midfielder’s performance.

Eddie Howe believes Sandro Tonali should be ‘very pleased’ with his AC Milan return

Following the game, Howe spoke to the media during his press conference and was asked to give his thoughts on how Tonali did on his San Siro return.

“I thought Sandro did well,” he said.

“It was obviously an emotional occasion for him. I’m not underestimating that, coming back here and how he would have felt before the game I’m sure was unique for him. I don’t think anyone can quite describe how he would have felt going into the game.

“He was part of a good defensive display in that first half. He can be very pleased and very proud. I thought he represented himself well and I know there’s more to come from him.”

More to come from the Newcastle midfielder

It certainly was not Tonali’s best performance in black and white. He really struggled to get on the ball at times, even when Newcastle had long spells of possession.

There were a couple of exciting burst down the left when he showcased his box-to-box energy, but it was a night where Tonali was unable to really have a major impact.

As Howe says, he was part of a defensive display in the first half that kept AC Milan at bay, and the Toon boss was happy with what he saw from the summer signing.

However, Howe is well aware that the best is yet to come from Tonali, and he can now focus on kicking on in a Newcastle shirt without the distraction of playing against his former club – until they head to St James’ Park in December!