How Newcastle United staff really feel about Sandro Tonali after his comeback

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Newcastle United did not make a major signing this summer, but there is a player who is ‘like a new signing’.

While some at Newcastle United will argue that Joe Willock falls into that category after his injury woes, the real player who is ‘like a new signing’ is Sandro Tonali.

He is back after his 10-month ban, and is doing his best to make up for lost time. Tonali was impressive on his Newcastle return against Nottingham Forest, and followed that up with a strong cameo against Tottenham Hotspur. In fact, Eddie Howe thought Tonali gave Newcastle the spark to win.

Following his domestic return, Tonali took his talents to the international stage. The 24-year-old was named in the Italy squad for the Nations League, and played two full 90 minutes in the space of just a few days. He produced an outstanding assist against France on Friday, with Luciano Spalletti calling Tonali’s performance ‘magnificent’.

Tonali’s Italy appearances are a big boost to Eddie Howe, who is now well aware that the midfielder is ready to start regularly amid doubts over his sharpness.

Newcastle United surprised by how well Sandro Tonali has done

There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Tonali’s return to action. While there was obvious excitement, it was unclear how long it would take him to get back up to speed. Despite training every day, there is no substitute for actually playing when it comes to match sharpness.

But Tonali has surprised people since the end of his suspension, including those at Newcastle United.

According to the Athletic, some people at Newcastle United have been surprised by how quickly Tonali has reintegrated himself back into the side after his 10-month ban.

They add that Tonali impressed the Newcastle coaching staff with his ‘tactical intelligence’ against Tottenham Hotspur, having been introduced when the game was level at 1-1. Of course, the Magpies went on to win 2-1 thanks to Alexander Isak.

The Athletic also note that there was apprehension about Tonali going away with Italy so soon after the expiration of his ban, but it has proven to be an excellent international break for the £55million man.

Eddie Howe has a big decision to make regarding Tonali this weekend

Now Tonali is back on Tyneside, as Newcastle United prepare to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Tonali will be pushing for a start, and has proven over the international break that there should be no concerns over his fitness or sharpness.

There will be a real temptation to put Tonali into the side, but Howe does have options in the middle of the park.

While Tonali has been away with Italy, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton have been working with the Newcastle United coaching staff at the club’s training ground.

You would assume that Howe has been working on a gameplan during the international break, so it would not be a major surprise if the Newcastle United manager leaned on the players who have been available in training and started them on Sunday.

However, Joelinton has endured an inconsistent start to the new campaign, which may result in Howe swapping him out for Tonali.

These are the decisions that Howe will be pondering, as the Magpies prepare to travel to the West Midlands.