Instant reaction to Sandro Tonali’s first appearance for Newcastle

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Eddie Howe gave the travelling Toon Army exactly what they wanted on Tuesday night when he named Sandro Tonali in his Newcastle United starting XI against Rangers.

When team news broke for the friendly at Ibrox, the big headline was Tonali starting in midfield alongside Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson.

The other headline was the lack of Allan Saint-Maximin, who did not travel to Glasgow amid speculation over a move away from St James’ Park.

Rumours of a move away are disappointing for Newcastle fans, but we must trust the decision makers behind the scenes at the club. They have got a lot of credit in the bank, and Sandro Tonali is going to give them even more.

Sandro Tonali impresses on first Newcastle outing

The 23-year-old is the club’s second most expensive signing ever at £55million, and his first appearance proves why he cost so much money.

Tonali simply oozed class on his Toon debut, slotting in perfectly into Howe’s midfield. He started on the right of the midfield three, and combined brilliantly at times with Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron. Those kind of combinations are key for Howe, and hopefully that trifecta can be really dangerous when the new season starts.

The Italian already looks so established in possession, spraying passes all over with power and precision. You can tell he’s used to playing with top class players, and he certainly won’t be lowering his level at St James’ Park – others will have to ensure their first touch is perfect.

We also saw a bit of Tonali’s box to box energy, getting around the pitch well during his first 45 mintues as a Newcastle player.

His crowning moment helped the Magpies open the scoring. His instinctive and intricate first-time pass for Elliot Anderson allowed the local lad to set up Almiron, who finished brilliantly. He took the plaudits, but Tonali was key to making the goal possible.

There will obviously be a bedding in period, but if his debut is anything to go by then Toon fans are going to absolutely love our new Italian stallion. Bellissimo!