Theo Walcott loved what Sandro Tonali did as soon as he came on for Newcastle against Wolves

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Newcastle United fans were shocked when Sandro Tonali was not named in the starting XI against Wolves.

Tonali played two full 90 minutes for Italy during the international break, proving that he is very much match fit after the conclusion of his 10-month ban.

His performances for Italy resulted in Newcastle United fans wanting him to start at Molineux, but Eddie Howe opted to go with Sean Longstaff ahead of the £55million signing.

That proved to be the wrong decision, with Longstaff struggling in the first half. He was replaced after 45 minutes, with Joelinton and Alexander Isak also coming off at half time.

Tonali took his place, with Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes all coming on. They all made a huge difference, and contributed towards Newcastle coming from behind to win 2-1.

Theo Walcott impressed with Sandro Tonali’s ‘class’ against Wolves

Harvey Barnes’ magnificent winner meant he hogged the headlines, but Tonali also made a major impression in the second half.

Speaking on BBC Match Of The Day 2, Theo Walcott praised Newcastle’s half time substitutions, and was really impressed with what Tonali immediately brought to the side.

“Tonali picking the ball up deep,” he said.

“He just starts it off and you can see the class already and the intensity and energy that Howe was alluding to.

“Willock – so much energy going back and forth.

What I like about Harvey Barnes, he commits his defender straight away. He creates so much more space for him when he has the ball, which leads his goal.”

Sandro Tonali must now start for Newcastle

Tonali played a key role in Newcastle United coming from behind to beat Wolves on Sunday.

He provided energy and composure to a struggling midfield, with former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott admitting that Tonali did exactly what Howe wanted.

During the early stages of the game, Newcastle had a lot of the ball. However, they struggled to do anything with it. The possession was slow and ponderous, and it eventually resulted in Wolves finding their feet and taking control.

But Tonali offered something different. He showed a real eagerness to get on the ball, and he is so intelligent that he always knows what he is going to do before he receives possession.

Time and time again, Tonali attempted a clever forward pass, allowing Newcastle to play on the front foot. It was a quality that Newcastle were not getting from Longstaff, who was well below his recent standards.

Tonali’s boldness also freed up Bruno Guimaraes, who had been extremely quiet in the first half.

Given his impact in the second half, it is clear that Tonali needs to be starting for Newcastle United. He has not started a Premier League game since October 8th 2023, and that needs to change against Fulham on Saturday.