Alan Shearer names two ‘absolutely superb’ Newcastle stars vs Ipswich after Eddie Howe tweak

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Eddie Howe got his team selection spot on for Newcastle United’s trip to face Ipswich Town.

With Joelinton suspended for the Ipswich clash, Eddie Howe had to chop and change a Newcastle United midfield that had enjoyed huge success in recent weeks.

Joe Willock returned from injury and was named in the starting lineup at Portman Road alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle put on a dominant display with Alexander Isak scoring his first hat-trick for the club while Jacob Murphy also extended his incredible run of form with another goal.

While legendary goalscorer Alan Shearer would have been delighted by Isak’s performance in front of goal, he singled out the performance of two midfielders after full-time.

Alan Shearer praises Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes

Earlier this week, Shearer was full of praise for Sandro Tonali after he scored a brace in the Carabao Cup win over Brentford.

Newcastle’s silky Italian kept his spot in the lineup against Ipswich and was superb once again alongside captain Bruno Guimaraes.

After the full-time whistle, Shearer commented on the “absolutely superb” understanding between Newcastle’s two star midfielders.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Shearer said: “In recent games, Tonali has been put in the number six role and Guimaraes moved a little bit further forward with a little more freedom to get into forward positions.

“It has certainly helped both players I think, and more importantly the team.

“He’ll [Tonali] sit there, he’s very good at that and I think he feels more important in that role, Tonali.

“I think he’s certainly a better player because he can do that, and a lot of the time when he gets the ball within one or two touches he likes to play the ball forward which for the forward players is much, much better.

“He has to do his work defensively as well and certainly he has done that in recent games. The understanding from the both of them in their roles is absolutely superb.”

Sandro Tonali’s incredible run of form at Newcastle

Tonali was “brilliant” against Ipswich and it extended his best run of form since he joined the club in 2023.

Howe’s decision to drop Tonali into a deeper midfield role has been a stroke of genius. His workrate, tenacity to win the ball back and composure in possession makes him a perfect fit.

Tonali has grown close to Guimaraes at Newcastle and their connection is visible on and off the pitch. They have formed a brilliant midfield relationship, with one sitting deep when the other bursts forward.

READ MORE: Newcastle United fans may have missed the special Sandro Tonali gesture made by his teammates

Newcastle struggled for goals early on this season, but the slight tweak in midfield has massively improved Newcastle’s attacking output by creating a strong foundation to build attacks from.

The Magpies have scored 11 goals in their three victories this week, with Tonali scoring two of those himself.