Sandro Tonali has moved to praise Nick Woltemade after Newcastle United’s win over Tottenham, but not for what he’s usually hailed for.
Newcastle United won a third game at St. James’ Park in succession on Wednesday as they comfortably defeated Tottenham 2-0 to cruise into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and keep their trophy defence alive.
Fabian Schar got the ball rolling with a tidy header from Sandro Tonali’s perfectly-delivered corner on his return to the starting XI.
From a first goal of the season to a sixth, Nick Woltemade added to his tally just after the break with a gloriously cool header of his own.
Woltemade dazzled once again in the victory, wowing the home crowd with his tight control under pressure and keen eye for a cutting through ball.
There has been no shortage of praise for the giant German’s play and scoring form, but Tonali has moved to point out how much effort he puts in defensively, too.
Nick Woltemade makes a hand gesture to celebrate scoring for Newcastle United.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Sandro Tonali praises Nick Woltemade’s defensive work
Speaking to ITV Sport after the victory, Tonali was asked why Woltemade has found scoring in England so easy.
However, the Italian maestro praised his teammate’s pressing and defending as well as his attacking prowess.
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He said: “I think he’s so good.
“For him it’s a little bit easy to play, to score a lot of goals. He’s a very good player.
“He runs for all the 90 minutes every time. He plays with us, the midfield, the defence. He’s the first defender and the first striker.
“It’s a pleasure to play with a striker like Nick and I’m happy for him, I’m happy for the team.”
Sandro Tonali was sublime in Tottenham victory
Though Woltemade got the goal, Tonali was the standout performer on the night.
The midfield maestro not only set up the opener but also absolutely dominated the midfield, both on and off the ball.
Tonali was essential in tracking back to cut out counterattacks before they could even get going and help out Emil Krafth against the pacey Djed Spence.
Tonali was named Player of the Match but was more concerned with Newcastle playing great football.
He said on the performance: “The way we start the game with this football, is for us so important.
“It’s important to get to the quarter-finals but important to play really good football.”