Tim Sherwood was left very impressed by one ‘brilliant’ Newcastle United player in the thrashing of Ipswich on Saturday but it wasn’t either of the goal scorers.
Newcastle United signed off a great week in style as they destroyed Ipswich Town 4-0, the second time they’ve won by that score line in as many Premier League games, following on from the 3-1 Carabao Cup win against Brentford.
Alexander Isak was the star of the show once again as the Super Swede grabbed a hat trick but Jacob Murphy was impressive as well as his purple patch continues.
The winger created two of the goals and scored a thumping strike of his own that rattled the cross bar on its way in.
However, Tim Sherwood was left particularly impressed by Sandro Tonali in the heart of midfield.
Sam Morsy of Ipswich Town runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between I...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali earns rave reviews for performance vs Ipswich
Newcastle were three goals up and cruising by the half-time break against the Tractor Boys in another dominant display.
Sherwood was on reporting duty for the game for Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday and it was Tonali’s defensive prowess that earned plaudits.
“Tonali has been brilliant,” he said. “Every time Ipswich think they’re getting out, he’s there to hoover up.
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“He’s like a Dyson out there.”
Eddie Howe deserves praise for Tonali tactic change
Understandably, Tonali had a difficult start to the season as he looked to get back to his best after his lengthy suspension. But in the Premier League time waits for no man and Eddie Howe was forced to drop the Italian on occasions as he wasn’t playing well enough.
Tonali was struggling to have an impact in a more advanced midfield role but the manager has changed his position this past week to great effect.
He has moved Tonali back into the deeper holding role and pushed Bruno Guimaraes forward instead, which has worked a charm for both men.
Newcastle’s No.8 has looked much more comfortable sitting at the base of midfield and being able to see the pitch in front of him, it suits his passing style and his excellent reading of the game.
Tonali is protecting the defence and dictating the tempo just like Rodri would do for Manchester City and if the Blues had sense they would chase him in January to be the injured Spaniard’s replacement.
Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, though.
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