Newcastle find solution Eddie Howe's been asking for as transfer decision made
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Sandro Tonali was linked with a move back to Juventus last week - but ended it proving he CAN thrive at St James's Park. Perhaps the greatest puzzle Eddie Howe has to crack this season is how to get the best out of his Italian international. The problem has been fitting Tonali into the side along fellow Alpha-midfielder and club skipper Bruno Guimaraes.
It was starting to become a conundrum reminiscent of the Steven Gerrard - Frank Lampard England debate. Could Tonali and Bruno thrive alongside each other? The jury has been out. The usual set up, Bruno in the middle, and Tonali shunted out to the right side, had not clicked.
But evidence is emerging that a shape that unlocks the potential of both star men is possible. Howe moved Tonali into a central deep lying role against Leicester, and he ran the show. He broke up play, read the game beautifully and shielded the defence. Importantly his ball playing skills were also evident. Clever short balls, play-switching longer range passes and the kind of forceful, yet nimble, display that Howe has been craving since he persuaded him to move to Tyneside, and then had to endure a lengthy ban for betting last season.
Tonali has 88 touches, 65 out of 72 passes found their man and he made 11 ball recoveries. As Newcastle evolve, and yes, sell players to regenerate the squad, Tonali is a gem to polish and build around. Howe said: “I have no plans on losing him. He is a vital part of us. I have been pleased with him and we have a strong relationship. He is improving in all aspects. The ban was difficult because he was training but couldn’t learn from games. Now he is getting matches and we are seeing improvements.”.
