Eddie Howe shares what Sandro Tonali has got better at already since joining

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Sandro Tonali remains Newcastle United’s only senior signing of the summer, but Eddie Howe has already seen signs of improvement from the £55million man.

The midfielder reported for pre-season training last week, meeting his Newcastle teammates for the first time after a long wait.

He has also watched his new team in action for the first time, with Tonali in attendance as the Magpies came from behind to beat Gateshead 3-2 on Saturday. Hopefully someone told him the weather isn’t always like that…

Tonali was just a spectator at the weekend, but hopefully it won’t be long before he gets some minutes into his legs. That could happen on Tuesday when Newcastle face Rangers at Ibrox.

That would delight Toon fans, but Howe is already happy with his summer signing. In fact, he has already noticed an improvement in Tonali since he first arrived on Tyneside at the start of July.

Eddie Howe thinks Sandro Tonali’s English has improved

Following the win over Gateshead, Howe spoke to Sky Sports. He discussed Tonali’s arrival, and admitted that his English has already improved in such a short space of time.

“He’s doing really well,” he said.

“I think his English has improved in the gap between when I first met him when he signed to yesterday. I can have a conversation with him which is a brilliant sign of his progress with his English.”

Great news for Newcastle

Joining a new club is always difficult. It is even more difficult when the club is in a completely different country and you can’t speak the language.

Tonali’s inability to speak English will make his bedding in period even tougher, so it is excellent to hear that he is making strides in ensuring he can communicate with his teammates.

It is a vital skill that is often forgotten about when signing foreign players. If you look at Bruno Guimaraes, his English is absolutely brilliant 18 months after arriving on Tyneside. In contrast, you will get some players who just rely on a translator.

But learning English will help Tonali fulfil his potential on Tyneside, and it is excellent to hear that Howe believes he is already improving. It won’t be long before he is learning Geordie!