UEFA’s Technical Observer Group were on hand to continue to shower Sandro Tonali with praise after Newcastle United beat Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.
At this point, Newcastle United fans are surely running out of superlatives for Tonali.
Indeed, Tonali was a standout performer in Newcastle’s win over Athletic Bilbao as Eddie Howe’s side took a step closer towards Champions League progress.
In truth, it was not a vintage display from Howe’s side. They did what was required, however, and three points won on Europe’s grandest stage certainly aren’t to be sniffed at.
While questions remain about this Newcastle team and their ability to get up for the so-called “lesser games”, that’s not an accusation that can be levelled at Tonali all too often.
Arguably the standout again, decision-makers on the UEFA panel named him the Player of the Match.
UEFA panel hails “excellent” Sandro Tonali after Newcastle United beat Athletic Club
It was of little surprise that Tonali picked up the gong after the game at St James’ Park.
While it wasn’t a fixture dripping with quality, the industrious Italian brings a level of consistency to Howe’s team that has otherwise been profoundly lacking at times.
After awarding him the honour, UEFA’s Technical Observer Group said (via UEFA’s official website): “He was excellent in and out of possession and had the biggest influence in the game. The midfielder was strong in his duels and showed a great range of passing.”
It was a perfect way to sum up a performance that brought control to an otherwise not particularly convincing team display.
Sandro Tonali’s stats for Newcastle United vs Athletic Club
Tonali would have surely passed the eye-test for all of those watching the game, but it’s always worth looking deeper into the statistics.
Per FotMob data, Tonali boasted 79 touches, made five ball recoveries, two clearances and one interception.
| Newcastle United vs Athletic Club statistics | Sandro Tonali |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 79 |
| Accurate passes | 49/61 (80%) |
| Passes into final third | 7 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
The 25-year-old found the mark with five of his six attempted long balls and seven of his 49 passes reached the final third.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Tonali is loved by his Newcastle teammates and every passing game makes it easier to see why.
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