Eddie Howe made a big change at Newcastle United on Saturday.
Indeed, after struggling to find a convincing midfield balance consistently all season, Howe opted to drop Sean Longstaff in favour of Sandro Tonali.
Now, the Newcastle United manager could just be rotating given the frantic fixture schedule to come.
Still, it did feel reasonably significant. There has been clamour for the Italian international to start of late, having starred for his country since returning from his betting ban all while playing a reasonably bit-part role for his club.
There have long been doubts as to whether or not Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes could start together in a functioning Newcastle midfield but Howe paired them alongside Joe Willock for what proved to be a frustrating draw at Selhurst Park.
Tonali operated well in a deeper role and took to Instagram after what was only his fifth start of the Premier League season.
Anthony Gordon sends two-word message to Sandro Tonali after Newcastle draw
The Italian posted an image of himself celebrating, which did feel a bit strange given the disappointing nature of the result, alongside Anthony Gordon.
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In response, Gordon wrote: “My brother.”
Bruno Guimaraes has something to think about at Newcastle now
Tonali impressed in the deeper role, the position in which Guimaraes has generally operated for much of his Newcastle career.
While it would be foolish to suggest Guimaraes is at risk of dropping out of the team given his status at the club, this is reasonably new territory for the Brazilian.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Newcastle United FC at Selhurst Park on November...
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
He has not been at his very best this season and, for the first time in his Newcastle career, his usual position has genuine competition.
With that in mind, it’ll be fascinating to see how he reacts. Perhaps it’s what he needed to spark a consistent upturn in fortunes.
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