Sandro Tonali has announced himself as a Premier League player.
Fewer than ten minutes into his first appearance as a Newcastle United star, the 23-year-old got on the scoresheet as Eddie Howe’s side put Aston Villa to the sword at St James’ Park.
The Magpies ran out 5-1 winners to go top of the table, albeit only on the opening weekend. Still, we’re allowed to celebrate…
While there had been some caution about his adaption following Tonali’s performance against ironically enough Villa in the USA, the Italy international enjoyed a brilliant competitive debut.
He could well have scored another, while it was the £52m midfielder who provided the pre-assist for Alexander Isak’s first goal.
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As far as debuts go, that was a good one.
Jamie Redknapp full of praise for Sandro Tonali after Newcastle debut
Indeed, pundit Jamie Redknapp was left purring about Tonali.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game (via their LIVE blog at 20.01 on 12/08/2023) the pundit said: “Sandro Tonali is a lovely player to watch. He’s so elegant and the game is effortless for him.
“Coming to the Premier League as a midfielder, it’s fast and furious, but he adapted so well to everything.
“It was one of the most impressive debuts from a midfielder I’ve seen in this league.
“He’s got a terrible habit of passing the ball to a player in the same team!”
Some way to announce your arrival
There will be harder tests to come for Tonali, namely away at Manchester City next week.
Still, he can only be judged on what he’s done thus far, and that is really rather impressive.
Newcastle haven’t got much wrong on the transfer front since the takeover and the early signs from Tonali look like he’ll be yet another successful signing.