Jacob Murphy names the ‘awesome’ player behind Newcastle United’s success… it’s not Alexander Isak

Add as preferred source on Google

Jacob Murphy believes that Newcastle United are finally showing what they are capable of.

It was a strange start to the season for Newcastle United. They began by playing poorly and getting results, before performances improved and results got worse.

There were highs and lows for Eddie Howe, who struggled to strike the right balance amid fears that his Newcastle side was going stale.

But a nine-game winning run changed the Magpies’ fortunes, and Jacob Murphy believes that their recent form is down to one man.

Jacob Murphy’s incredible praise for Newcastle United teammate Sandro Tonali

During an interview with the CBS Sports Golazo YouTube channel, Murphy admitted that Sandro Tonali has transformed the way that Newcastle United play.

“I can’t praise Sandro enough,” he said.

“He’s been unbelievable since he came back in. Playing six, he has helped unlock the potential in this team. We’ve managed to move Bruno higher up the pitch.

“He’s awesome. He covers every blade of grass. He’s really quick, super strong, aggressive in the duel. He finds wonderful pockets to get into to start dictating play for us.

“It’s nice and it’s reassuring that you can turn around and know that he’s going to be looking after you.”

Sandro Tonali has defined Newcastle United’s season

There was a clear correlation between Sandro Tonali changing position and Newcastle United’s form improving.

Ever since Eddie Howe has permanently used the 24-year-old in the ‘number six’ position, Newcastle have been a different beast. He is so suited to that role, while it has helped Bruno Guimaraes improve as well. The skipper is able to influence the game in the final third, boasting two goals and eight assists.

Tonali has given the Newcastle United team the platform to play. He protects the defence with his speed, power and ability to read the game, while he dictates play from deep with his immense technical talent.

He was not impactful enough as an ‘eight’, but Howe waited until he was sure Tonali was ready physically to be a ‘six’. The Italian certainly is ready now, and Newcastle United are reaping the rewards.

While Alexander Isak’s goals have propelled the Magpies up the Premier League table, it is Tonali who has had the biggest impact in black and white this season.

Long may it continue, as Newcastle battle for silverware and Champions League qualification.