Jacob Murphy (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovicplaceholder image
Jacob Murphy (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Getty Images
Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali has been picking his all-time XI out of former and current teammates.
Sandro Tonali has named Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Jacob Murphy in his all-time starting line-up made up of past and present teammates.
As a former AC Milan star and Italian international, Tonali is spoiled for choice when it comes to naming his hypothetical XI. The 25-year-old is arguably Newcastle’s most influential player since Alexander Isak’s exit in the summer.
News emerged last month about his “secret” contract extension - tying him down to St James’ Park until 2030. Despite that, Tonali’s comments following the Athletic Bilbao game last week erred caution over his long-term future.
Sandro Tonali gives unconvincing answer
When asked if his long-term future will be at Newcastle, Tonali said: “This is a tough question because in football you need to think year on year. I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year on year. This is football. Last summer was tough for us, for Alex (Isak), but this is football.
“If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here for 10 years’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”
Jacob Murphy becomes Zlatan Ibrahimovic charger
NewcastleWorld went viral in September by joking Liverpool bought an iPhone - Isak - but the Magpies kept a hold of the charger… Murphy. That sentiment has become ingrained into the meme culture on Tyneside, with the Swede still failing to deliver at Anfield.
Tonali has now picked Murphy on the right flank alongside a host of stellar names. In his fantasy line-up given to Pro Direct Soccer, the Toon winger is supplying the bullets to all-time great Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Sandro Tonali’s team in full: Donnarumma; Trippier, Kjaer, Bastoni, Theo Hernandez; Barella, Kessie, Guimaraes; Murphy, Leao, Ibrahimovic, Leao
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Jonjo Shelvey on Jacob Murphy rise
Earlier this month, former Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey admitted he has been surprised by Murphy's transformation. He said: “It’s a mad one when you think about it. If I’m being honest, I never thought Murph would play in the Champions League.
“I couldn’t be happier for him because he’s such a great character off the pitch as well. But he’s probably one of the biggest transformations I’ve seen in terms of the quality, how far he’s come.
“And I think with Murph, he’s obviously got that physical stature anyway, with his speed and how quick he is and how strong he is. But he’s really upped his game with the end product side of it.
“That’s probably credit to Eddie in terms of how much he works with the players. He doesn’t just want to win football matches, he wants to see players develop as footballers and as human beings as well. You have to give credit to Eddie for that.”
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