Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will have been overjoyed that his side managed to grab a late win over Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday as they ran out 2-1 winners – but one star in particular has been praised for his efforts off the pitch.
The Magpies won their second home game in a row against Fulham thanks to an opener from Jacob Murphy, and although Sasa Lukic levelled in the second half, it was a late strike from Bruno Guimaraes that settled the tie.
Newcastle have been improving on the whole, but it’s notably been their midfield which has dominated games so far in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
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And although Guimaraes grabbed the winner, Eddie Howe didn’t forget midfield maestro Sandro Tonali when it came to praising his current stars at St. James’ Park, for his dedication in training.
Eddie Howe managing Newcastle in the Champions League
Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe hails ‘brilliant’ Sandro Tonali
The Italian really came into his own last season, helping Newcastle into the Champions League after missing much of the campaign prior over his gambling offences, which ruled Tonali out for ten months.
However, he’s really stamped his mark on the side in recent times. Sitting as the lynchpin in their midfield, the 25-year-old’s class allows stars such as Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to help the attack going forward, with Tonali being called ‘amazing’ by Nick Woltemade.
However, the former AC Milan star also keeps them calm on the ball, which has helped catapult them further up the Premier League table.
Player Premier League minutes Pass completion rate (%)
Sandro Tonali 2,632 85.9
Bruno Guimaraes 3,286 83.7
Joelinton 2,405 83.8
Lewis Miley 304 88.4
And Howe has waxed lyrical over the classy Italy international by stating that he is one of the last players off the training pitch, and a pleasure to coach. Howe told Discovery:
“He’s a pleasure to coach, he’s been brilliant, very receptive, very open.
“He wants to be critiqued to an extent to see how he can do things better, and that’s a great starting point for us as coaches.
“He’s someone who will work individually, and he’s one of the last players off the training pitch.”
Newcastle’s £55million signing of Sandro Tonali two years ago was one of their biggest coups, and arguably their best in the Saudi Public Investment Fund era.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali celebrates a goal in the Champions League
Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali has been Newcastle’s biggest signing
Alexander Isak was a superb signing for Newcastle from Real Sociedad, but his underwhelming six-goal haul for Real Sociedad meant it was somewhat of a gamble.
Bruno Guimaraes was largely unknown in English circles, at least, and veterans such as Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are entering their mid-thirties.
The rest of Newcastle’s top acquisitions have been up-and-coming talents such as Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
Tonali had already featured in 18 Champions League games for Milan prior to his signing, as well as making 12 caps for Italy.
That brilliance has told in recent times, and having more players of his ilk would be ideal for Howe, if he can tempt more over the line thanks to Newcastle’s Champions League standing.