Alan Shearer says Newcastle United have a player he actually prefers to Matheus Cunha

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With the end of the Premier League campaign approaching, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has shared his Team of the Season. 

It has been a remarkable few months for Newcastle United. In March, they ended 70 years of hurt by lifting the Carabao Cup, winning a first major domestic piece of silverware since 1955.  

Now, with just one game left to play, Eddie Howe’s side could be about to add to that. Indeed, Newcastle host Everton at St James’ Park on Sunday and the Magpies know a victory would secure qualification for the Champions League.  

There have been a number of key players to have emerged throughout the season. Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak are just some of them, although Shearer paid special mention to Sandro Tonali. 

• Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro

Alan Shearer prefers Sandro Tonali to Matheus Cunha

Shearer named Tonali in his selection as part of a midfield three with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Arsenal star Declan Rice.  

Interestingly, Shearer insisted he preferred Tonali to Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha. 

Newcastle are interested in signing Cunha, although it now appears as if Manchester United have won the race. Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Man United are closing in on signing Cunha ahead of Newcastle, which has to be seen as a blow. 

Still, the Newcastle United legend thinks Tonali’s ability to play as a defensive midfielder as well as higher up the park makes him a more worthy selection. 

Quoted by the Premier League’s official website, Shearer said: “He has proved why he is so important to Newcastle, and why he is adored by the supporters.  

“Tonali has stood out in a midfield packed with talent, and moving into more of a holding role has really transformed the Magpies’ season. His flexibility edges out Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.”

Jamie Carragher says Sandro Tonali is better than Ryan Gravenberch

Such has been his success this season, Shearer isn’t the only pundit to have praised Newcastle’s Italian star.

In fact, Jamie Carragher thinks Tonali is better than Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman has shone under Arne Slot at Anfield this season, proving a major part of their success. 

Carragher thinks that the fact Tonali and the rest of the Newcastle midfield dominated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final proves the sheer level of quality the Italian boasts.

“What swung it was how dominant Newcastle were in the cup final,” he said.

“How powerful they looked in midfield – they just ran over Liverpool.”

Newcastle paid £55million to sign Tonali from AC Milan and, now, that looks a real bargain. 

He’s had a transformative impact on Howe’s side this season and long may that continue. Having waited so long to see the best of him, patience is proving a virtue for Newcastle.