Sandro Tonali is arguably one of the greatest players to ever pull on the Newcastle United shirt but even the Italian struggled against Bayer Leverkusen.
Heading into a derby against Sunderland on Sunday, that’s a major worry.
There’s little doubt that Tonali is one of the very best midfielders in at least the Premier League when he’s at optimum level.
Still, and while it’s important to remember that he recently suffered a knock, the midfielder wasn’t at his best as Newcastle drew 2-2 with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
It’s time to have an honest conversation on Sandro Tonali….
Is Sandro Tonali just fatigued or is he being played in the wrong position? Seems like we recently had success playing him in the deeper role!
His marking for the first goal left a lot to be desired, while his general play wasn’t at the levels Newcastle fans have been accustomed to.
It seems unlikely that Tonali will be dropped anytime soon given Joelinton’s recent injury for Newcastle but such an out-of-character showing is hardly ideal preparation for the derby.
Indeed, Tonali’s relative struggle was a big discussion point amongst fans on social media.
Newcastle United fans concerned by Sandro Tonali’s form ahead of Sunderland game
While Leverkusen’s first goal was technically a Bruno Guimaraes own goal, it was Tonali’s rather weak defending from a corner that played a major role in it.
That set the tone for a pretty poor performance in general, although the former AC Milan star certainly wasn’t alone in that.
Still, such is the standard to which the 25-year-old is held, it is particularly notable when he doesn’t play well.
“One of Tonali’s worst games for us,” wrote one fan.
Who was your MOTM vs Bayer Leverkusen?
Another said: “Tonali is well off his usual level in recent games.”
“Tonali was shocking,” was one particularly blunt review.
One fan asked: “When do we start worrying about Tonali’s form as he’s been poor for a while?”
“Tonali at fault for both goals and almost anonymous all game. That’s a worry!” wrote another critic.
Another comment simply said: “Tonali has been off it a while now by his standards. He absolutely needs a rest. Can’t play like that on Sunday.”
Why Sandro Tonali is struggling for Newcastle United right now
In Tonali’s defence, he’s been one of few Newcastle players this season who has largely avoided Howe’s rotational policy.
The only two games he’s not played at all this season were the Champions League win over Benfica back in October, after he had suffered with illness and the Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City.
Resting him on Sunday feels like an almighty risk, particularly given his fine record in the big games for Newcastle.
However, and while he does need to do better at defending from set-pieces, it does feel as if Tonali is running out of steam.
Lewis Miley starred for Newcastle against Leverkusen and may be needed on Sunday. Replacing Tonali with either Joe Willock or Jacob Ramsey is a gamble but it may be necessary.
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