Sandro Tonali spotted doing something incredible at Newcastle United that’s not well documented

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Newcastle United are gearing up to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

It’s a crucial game in terms of the Champions League race – both clubs are on the cusp of the top four and could finish the weekend in it if other results go their way.

Eddie Howe will be keen for his side to carry the momentum from Newcastle United’s FA Cup win against Birmingham City which saw Joe Willock score a brace and Callum Wilson get back on the scoresheet.

While Howe may go into the game with plenty of confidence, there are several injury concerns ahead of the clash. Sven Botman will miss the Man City game after coming off in Newcastle’s win against Arsenal with a knee problem.

Howe confirmed that Dan Burn should be ‘close’ to featuring against the defending Champions. Burn went off with a groin problem against Birmingham and there were early concerns that it could be a serious issue.

One player who has taken a lot of credit this season is Sandro Tonali who has been exceptional since returning from his 10-month ban in August. The Italian has been a pivotal part of the Magpies midfield, allowing Bruno Guimaraes more freedom to roam around the pitch.

As he continues to improve, Howe has highlighted a particular quality about Tonali that he believes goes unnoticed.

• READ MORE – Anthony Gordon loves Sandro Tonali’s emphatic three-word message after 3-1 Newcastle United win

Eddie Howe says what he loves about Sandro Tonali

It’s not only Howe who has gone public with their admiration for Tonali – teammate Jacob Murphy called Tonali ‘awesome’ and credited him for a lot of the Magpies success this season.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer credited Eddie Howe for Tonali’s form. The 24-year-old has been playing in a deeper midfield role which has seen him act more as a box-to-box player. His fine form was rewarded in Newcastle’s win against Southampton when he scored his first Premier League goal in over a year.

In his pre-match press conference, Howe was asked about Tonali’s impact on the team and how much he has improved since returning.

“Last week (against Birmingham), the plan was always to rotate Bruno (Guimaraes) and Sandro,” he said.

“I thought when Sandro came on in the second-half he brought us stability in our performance at a time when we needed it.

“It is well documented how good he is on the ball, he is very calm, composed, positive in his passing, very good technically. But, the off the ball work he does, the transitional aspect of his play, has been at the highest level and it really helped us.”

• READ MORE – The incredible unseen gesture by Sandro Tonali after Newcastle United’s win vs Arsenal

Sandro Tonali linked with bizarre Newcastle exit

Tonali looks to be settled on Tyneside, but that has not stopped transfer rumours arising in the last few weeks.

After signing Lloyd Kelly on a loan with an obligation to buy, Juventus want to sign Tonali and are willing to offer former Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz plus cash as a sweetener for the deal.

A move away for the Italian maestro looks highly unlikely. Tonali’s agent confirmed he would not return to Serie A, claimed he is one of the best midfielders in the world and insisted that not many clubs would be able to afford him.

Tonali has played 22 Premier League games for the Magpies this season, winning 11.