Newcastle United player Sandro Tonali has named which teammates he loves playing with and talking to in a brilliant new video.
After missing the majority of his first season at the club, Sandro Tonali has been a key player in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
The midfielder has completely transformed the way Newcastle United play, and the club are reaping the benefits of that.
Tonali was sensational for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, pulling out all the stops to ensure the Magpies won their first domestic trophy since 1955.
The 25-year-old’s influence has been recognised throughout the Premier League, too. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca called Tonali a ‘fantastic player‘, while former Everton and Manchester United shot-stopper Tim Howard praised Tonali in a recent interview.
While Tonali receives the plaudits from elsewhere, the midfielder has taken the time to recognise his teammates, naming one player who did something ‘crazy’.
- Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro
Sandro Tonali praises Sven Botman for remarkable Newcastle United comeback
Newcastle fans have barely seen defender Sven Botman this season due to injury, but the Dutchman has shown his qualities in the few appearances he has made.
Botman returned to Newcastle’s matchday squad in January, helping his side beat Tottenham in North London. Sadly, he would pick up another knee injury, but has since made another return and come off the bench in the last two games.
Howe confirmed Botman is almost ready to start for Newcastle, but Tonali was shocked by another achievement of his.
When asked which Newcastle teammates he loves to play with in a club documentary, Tonali said: “I love to play with Sven. He is very strong, because he stay out the pitch for eight, nine months and he comes back very strong for the first game. It’s crazy for a nine-month injury.
“I like to speak with Bruno, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier.
“Jacob is a good guy. I like Jacob, I like doing the training and the normal days, they are great people for me because he is young, he spoke every day with me. To play for a great team, you need these players for the team.”
Sandro Tonali makes a comment that will ease Newcastle United fans’ nerves
For the last few months, Italian media have reported that Tonali could leave Newcastle in the summer in favour of a return to the Serie A.
Juventus are desperate to sign the midfielder, but the stance from within the club is that Newcastle will not entertain any offers for Tonali.
Despite the reports, Tonali has told Newcastle chiefs he does not want to leave and has publicly shared how much he is enjoying his time on Tyneside.
In the same documentary, Tonali can be seen in the kitchen with his girlfriend, where they are talking about learning English. The Italian has come a long way with his learning of the language, but admitted he is yet to master the Geordie twang.
“I don’t understand Geordie. I need four, five years more…” Tonali said, suggesting he is more than happy to stay in the North East and take in the love from the Newcastle fans.
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