Sandro Tonali is Newcastle United’s most influential player right now, and that influence is only going to keep growing.
The 25-year-old is the heartbeat of Newcastle United’s midfield, providing the platform for the success that Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed over the past 12 months.
Tonali is one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, and it is a real joy to watch him in black and white. It must also be a joy to play with him for the Newcastle United squad, who know they can always rely on the midfield maestro in and out of possession.
Now the £55million superstar is starting to offer even more, as was evident during Newcastle’s win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
- Who is Sandro Tonali? Say salve to Newcastle United’s Italian midfield maestro
Sandro Tonali gives Nick Woltemade his moment in front of Newcastle United fans
Newcastle beat Forest 2-0 at St James’ Park in their final game before the international break, with Nick Woltemade scoring a beautiful penalty.
It was his first goal in front of the Gallowgate, as he continued his blistering start to his Newcastle United career. Despite relentless complaints about Woltemade’s £69million transfer fee, he has four goals for his new club already.
His latest strike was a ridiculously good penalty, and Tonali ensured that Woltemade soaked up the adulation of the Toon Army after hitting the back of the net.
After scoring the Magpies’ second goal, the 23-year-old celebrated with his teammates. As he began returning to the halfway line to resume the game, he felt a pull from his teammate.
It was Tonali pulling Woltemade’s arm, with the Italy international telling the summer signing to go back and celebrate on his own in front of the fans.
Tonali made sure that Woltemade savoured the moment, in what was a real moment of class from the Magpies’ number eight. It was very subtle, but it shows what a leader he has become at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United must treat Sandro Tonali like the superstar he has become
Throughout his time on Tyneside, Tonali has always appeared to go about his business quietly. He never plays for himself, running around like a madman to help his teammates with minimal fuss.
Onlookers away from Newcastle are starting to notice Tonali’s importance, while there have been constant rumours of a return to Italy.
After the Alexander Isak fiasco, Newcastle will have no interest in enduring another transfer saga. To ensure that, they need to treat Tonali like the superstar he has become.
Newcastle need to extend Tonali’s contract, and his new deal must reflect his importance at St James’ Park. That is something the club did not do with Isak, with Paul Mitchell citing PSR concerns as the reason contract talks collapsed.
The Magpies cannot just hand Tonali a blank cheque, but they do need to acknowledge how essential he has become.
Not only are his contributions on the ball vital, but Tonali is also blossoming into a leader.
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