Eddie Howe needs ‘perfect captain’ to bring ‘incredible’ international form back to Newcastle United

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It has been a mixed international break for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United players.

Anthony Gordon did not enjoy the best of times with England. He started the defeat to Greece, with Gordon receiving criticism from Alan Shearer. He was nowhere near his best, and subsequently did not feature in the win over Finland.

Bruno Guimaraes began the international break by being dropped. He lost his place in the Brazil starting lineup, only to reclaim it for the Selecao’s second game against Peru. Bruno was praised for his performance, and will hopefully bring that form back to Tyneside.

But Newcastle United’s best performer during the international break has been Sandro Tonali.

Sandro Tonali earning rave reviews in Italy

Once again, Italy relied heavily on Sandro Tonali during the international break. They have relished having him back from suspension, with Luciano Spalletti looking to get everything he can out of the midfielder.

Tonali was described as a ‘madman’ after a draw with Belgium, with the 24-year-old praised for the amount of running he did.

It was the same story on Monday night, as Italy beat Israel. Tonali was described as ‘incredible’ by Spalletti, with the Italy manager blown away by the former AC Milan star’s running power.

Speaking of his time at AC Milan, Italian journalists have even been cursing his departure from the San Siro.

Journalist Marco Cattaneo told Milan News that Tonali would have been AC Milan’s ‘perfect captain’, clearly bemoaning the fact that he left the Rossoneri to sign for Newcastle United in 2023.

He led by example during the international break, and now Eddie Howe needs him to do that on Tyneside.

Newcastle United can kick on if Tonali brings his Italy form to St James’ Park

Tonali is once again a player that Italy can rely on. They are turning to him in their time of need.

However, that is yet to be the case for Tonali in a Newcastle United shirt. While he has often impressed, we are yet to truly see the best of him.

Last season was tough. After a fast start to life on Tyneside, Tonali quickly encountered problems. Then came the suspension, ruling Tonali out for 10 months.

Upon his return, Howe has eased Tonali back into the side. But he is now starting Premier League games, and that should continue on Saturday at home to Brighton.

Howe needs Tonali to take his international form to the Premier League. If he does then the Magpies should be able to kick on. With his running power, Newcastle can get back to their full throttle best. And with his ability on the ball, it can lift the pressure off of Bruno Guimaraes and bring him to a higher level.

Tonali has done well since his return, but there is obviously a lot more to come. He has shown that for Italy, and Howe will be desperate for him to maintain this level of performance upon his return to the North East.