Kevin Nolan noticed what Sandro Tonali was doing within 15 minutes of his Newcastle return against Nottingham Forest

Add as preferred source on Google

Sandro Tonali made an immediate impression on his Newcastle United return, as the Magpies advanced to the next round of the Carabao Cup on penalties.

The 24-year-old was named in Eddie Howe’s starting XI, after Tonali had been predicted to start for Newcastle against Nottingham Forest.

He was named in midfield alongside Joelinton and Joe Willock, and was involved in Newcastle United‘s perfect start.

The Magpies went 1-0 up within a minute, with Joe Willock getting a tap in after Alexander Isak’s shot was poorly parried by the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper.

Isak had been played through on goal by Miguel Almiron, who had been put in a brilliant position by Sandro Tonali and his quick forward pass. It was an immediate glimpse of what the Italian is capable of, while he also had the chance to score moments later.

It was an all action start for Tonali, who was making his first appearance in 10 months. He is clearly eager to make up for lost time, as Tonali looks to prove a point on his return and build up his match fitness.

Kevin Nolan notices what Sandro Tonali was doing within the first 15 minutes of his Newcastle return

That will take some time, as this was Tonali’s first competitive game since October 2023.

And former Newcastle United midfielder Kevin Nolan believes the speed of the game was already having an effect on the Italy international within the first 15 minutes.

After his goal, Willock suffered an injury and received treatment from the Newcastle physios before being forced off in the 14th minute. During this time, Nolan told BBC Radio 5 Live that Tonali was ‘breathing heavily’ during the break in play.

“As soon as Joe Willock went down Sandro Tonali was breathing heavy and he was taking in the water,” he said.

“He will be enjoying it out there. He should’ve had a goal, but it was a fantastic save from Carlos Miguel.”

Sandro Tonali showed what he will bring to this Newcastle team

There was also an instance in the first half when Tonali was struggling. On multiple occasions, he was stood with his hands on his knees, before the physios came on.

It was unclear what the problem was – Dan Burn appeared to indicate to the bench that he had been struck either in his neck or his chest, which was resulting in him struggling to breath.

Away from that issue, Tonali was Newcastle’s best player. He really is a top level player, and Tonali has already shown why he truly is like a new signing.

The midfielder is much more positive on the ball, while he brings a sharpness and incisiveness that is often missing in this Newcastle United team.

Tonali showcased his speed and power too, on what was an excellent return to action. He lasted just over an hour, before he was replaced by Sean Longstaff.