Troy Deeney was seriously impressed with Newcastle United ‘wildcard’ against Manchester City

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One Newcastle United player has been included in Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week.

There are a few candidates, with plenty of Eddie Howe’s players shining during Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Anthony Gordon did very well as a striker, while Dan Burn defended resolutely up against Erling Haaland.

Elsewhere, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Nick Pope, while Jamie Carragher has raved about Joelinton’s performance.

Lewis Hall also deserves a mention, with the 20-year-old trusted to start against the most dangerous team in the world. He did not look out of place, and once again showcased how much he has improved since joining Newcastle United.

Sandro Tonali hailed for his role in Newcastle’s draw with Manchester City

But none of them have been included in Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week for BBC Sport.

Instead, the former Watford striker has gone with Sandro Tonali after his first league start since October 2023.

“I’m going for a little wildcard here,” he wrote.

“I think he’s one of those people who’s obviously made a mistake, but he’s so naturally gifted as an athlete he’s been able to come back in to the Newcastle side like he hasn’t left.

“I know he’s had a couple of games off the bench, but he covered a lot of ground, he got after the Manchester City players and made sure Newcastle were on the front foot.”

Tonali has to be a regular starter for Newcastle United now

It has been quite the return for Tonali since the end of his 10-month ban. He has barely put a foot wrong since his comeback, with the only issue being Eddie Howe’s reluctance to start the 24-year-old.

Newcastle are being careful not to overload Tonali, as they do not want to risk him picking up an injury after not playing for so long. That is a sensible stance, even if it can be frustrating for fans.

But the £55million man proved on Saturday why he has to be a consistent starter for Newcastle United now. Midfield has been a problem position, but Tonali addressed those issues. He is an elite passer of the ball, and that lifts the pressure off of Bruno Guimaraes’ shoulders.

Tonali’s energy off the ball was also pivotal, and a key factor as to why Deeney has included him in his team of the week. As he says, Tonali is a ‘naturally gifted’ athlete, and that helps him cover so much ground. You can also tell he is a bit sharper tactically than he was when he first signed for the club, and that will make him even more influential in black and white.

Newcastle are set to make a late decision on Tonali ahead of the Wimbledon game, after he was forced off with cramp on Saturday. It feels likely that he will not start the Carabao Cup game, with Howe surely eager to ensure that he is fully fit and fresh for the challenge of Everton at the weekend.