Eddie Howe finally has some squad depth at Newcastle United ahead of Sunday’s game against Wolves.
Throughout most of last season, Newcastle United barely had a proper bench they could rely on. More often than not, Eddie Howe was having to piece together a substitutes bench consisting of goalkeepers and youth players.
It was a major problem for the Magpies, as they struggled to replicate their success from the previous year.
But now Newcastle have options once again, which means that Howe has some decisions to make regarding his starting XI.
Newcastle midfielder shines for Italy
And the biggest decision he needs to make before Sunday’s game against Wolves is whether or not Sandro Tonali starts in midfield.
The 24-year-old is back after suspension, and proved his fitness during the international break.
Sandro Tonali played every single minute of Italy’s two Nations League games. For reference, Tonali has not completed consecutive 90 minutes since he was an AC Milan player.
Tonali’s Italy efforts are a huge boost for Newcastle, while Luciano Spalletti said that Tonali was ‘magnificent’ during the win over France.
With the £55million man looking excellent since his return, there is a real clamour to see him included in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
Why Sandro Tonali might not start against Wolves
However, the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has explained on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne why Tonali might have to wait a little bit longer to start a Premier League game for the first time since October 8th 2023.
“Whether he starts at Wolves on Sunday, I’m sure Howe will be very tempted to,” he said.
“But we also know that Eddie Howe tends to like players that have been on Tyneside. He’s had Sean Longstaff on Tyneside, who’d be most likely to come out that midfield [for Tonali].
“Sean Longstaff has started the season pretty well.
“But to have that enticing prospect of Tonali coming back into the side at some stage having got 180 minutes into his legs for Italy and shown that sort of form is really positive.”
Newcastle have competition for places
Given the fact that Sean Longstaff has been training with Newcastle United during the entirety of the international break, it feels likely that he will start against Wolves. He will have been part of the tactical preparation for that game, while Tonali has been away representing his country.
But it is great to see that Howe finally has competition for places. Joe Willock could also be back to face Wolves, with the 25-year-old closing in on a return from a thigh injury.
Competition in midfield should see the standard increase, with players desperate to preserve their place in the team. You could already argue that has happened with Longstaff, with the local lad enjoying a decent start to the 2024/25 campaign amid Tonali’s comeback.
The presence of the Italian will force Longstaff to fight for his place, and should hopefully result in him playing better.
That is great news for Newcastle United, but bad news for Tonali, who will be desperate to be a regular starter in black and white.
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