Sandro Tonali has lost his place in the Newcastle United starting XI.
On the back of Sandro Tonali having his best game in a Newcastle United shirt, the midfielder found himself on the bench.
Tonali was outstanding in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, but subsequently started on the bench for the wins against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Instead, Eddie Howe has opted to deploy Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock alongside Bruno Guimaraes. Meanwhile, Joelinton is operating out wide.
The Italy international is the one missing out, with Newcastle’s second most expensive signing ever resigned to a place on the bench.
He is still having an impact as a sub, playing a part in two of the Magpies’ goals against Forest. But Tonali will want to be a regular starter for Newcastle United.
Rob Lee makes Sandro Tonali admission
However, that might simply not be possible right now.
That is according to Newcastle United legend Rob Lee, who has spoken to the Chronicle about Eddie Howe’s midfield conundrum.
Lee has suggested that while Tonali is an excellent player, the Newcastle midfield often functions better when Sean Longstaff plays.
“I think sometimes the biggest names don’t make the best team,” he said.
“I think Eddie is trying to find his best midfield three which is key to the rest of team.
“Sandro Tonali is now back and has been doing brilliant for Italy but it does not seem to work as well with Tonali and Joelinton, Bruno or Joe Willock in midfield.
“When Sean Longstaff has come back in sometimes we look a better team.”
Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle challenge
When you compare Tonali to Longstaff, there is no denying that the former is the more gifted player. Longstaff would probably admit that himself.
But, as Lee says, the best players do not necessarily get in the best teams. That is happening at Newcastle right now, with Howe’s side finding form with Longstaff back in the side. He has given Newcastle balance in the middle of the park, which is something they had been missing all season.
As long as Newcastle continue to play well with Longstaff in the side, it is difficult to envision how Tonali wins his place back.
That presents Tonali with a challenge. For all his £55million worth of talent, he needs to prove he can function in a winning Newcastle starting XI. That has not happened in the Premier League this season.
For now, it feels likely that Howe will stick with his midfield three of Bruno, Longstaff and Willock against West Ham United on Monday night.
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