It does not feel like hyperbole to suggest Sandro Tonali has had a transformative impact on Newcastle United’s season.
Available again after his ten-month ban from football between October 2023 and August 2024, Tonali has been a standout for Newcastle United.
The Italian has shone in a deeper midfield role, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to move further forward.
After a difficult start to life at St James’ Park, the 24-year-old has proven worth the wait.
Newcastle were stunned they signed Tonali, such was his standing in the game while an AC Milan player.
Excitingly for Eddie Howe’s side, former teammate Matt Ritchie suggests the midfielder could get even better.
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Matt Ritchie says Sandro Tonali can get even better for Newcastle United
Newcastle fans have been treated to glimpses of Tonali’s passing range before, including the brilliant assist he laid on for Harvey Barnes during the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Still, Ritchie is of the belief that his full ability on the ball is yet to have been truly seen.
Having watched the midfielder up close at the Newcastle training ground, the Portsmouth winger is certainly well-placed to comment.
Ritchie speaking was on Sky Sports punditry duty during Newcastle’s 4-1 loss at Aston Villa.
“He’s a businessman,” he said.
“As soon as he stepped through the door, he was ready to go and wanted to make a difference.
“You could tell he had played at an elite level at AC Milan. You saw bits of him when he signed. Of course, you go and you look at videos and he was tenacious.
“But what he’s added to this team, I think he’s so dynamic. He allows Bruno [Guimaraes] to go and create in different areas of the pitch.”
Ritchie added: “He’s got everything, for me. As I say, the way he gets around the pitch is so tenacious. He’s aggressive, he’s got a passing range like you wouldn’t believe.
“We haven’t seen the best of it yet, actually. He can find a pass with those long diagonals.”
Jason Tindall shocked by Sandro Tonali in Newcastle United training
Tonali appears to be quite the force during training sessions.
In fact, Jason Tindall admits even he didn’t quite realise just how good Tonali was before working with him on a consistent basis.
The Newcastle United assistant manager was full of praise for what the midfielder does away from the cameras in training sessions, suggesting the level of his quality had slightly surprised him.
“It’s only when you work with him so closely you realise what an exceptional talent he is, and he’s delivering consistent performances,” he said.
“He’s a great lad with a fantastic attitude. He’s a top, top player.”
Tonali has proven to be worth the wait for Newcastle. The idea that he could get even better is seriously exciting.
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