Sandro Tonali

[Smal]

Joelinton did create the best chance of the game with a fantastic pass, mind. He is capable.

[TRon]

1 hour ago, David Edgar said:

I won't be worried if/when Bruno is sold now. This guy is just gonna step up and maybe take us even further.

 

Ironic but Tonali would probably be a far better fit for current City than Bruno. But I guess once Rodri is back then that might change. It does show the quality of midfielders we have on our books if we can get the team set up right.

[Tsunami]

Tonali really benefitted from Bruno going off and provided a glimpse of what could be. As much as I love Bruno and his connection with the fans I think there’s a real argument that Tonali is the better player and can offer more in the positions Bruno occupies. 

[AyeDubbleYoo]

7 minutes ago, Tsunami said:

Tonali really benefitted from Bruno going off and provided a glimpse of what could be. As much as I love Bruno and his connection with the fans I think there’s a real argument that Tonali is the better player and can offer more in the positions Bruno occupies. 

Hmm, I dunno. He was playing brilliantly while Bruno was on as well. 

[Maggies]

Masterful performance. Love seeing the Wolfpack in midfield led by this man!

[Tsunami]

Don’t disagree but he really stepped up as the man when Bruno went off. For me he’s far more dynamic, more mobile and more of a threat. It’s a really difficult one; if we had to sell one of Bruno, Tonali or Isak, I’d be selling Bruno. My only concern would be Tonali’s commitment to the club.

[GEFAFWISP]

I love him.

[relámpago blanco]

5 minutes ago, Maggies said:

Masterful performance. Love seeing the Wolfpack in midfield led by this man!

Indeed, we need to start him as the main man in midfield. Central. He should be the first name on the teamsheet after hall.  Bruno can play further forward and do it very well. 

[Kanj]

Jsut need to see Tonali become more of a focal point and not allow himself to be played around. He and Bruno need to be on the ball a lot more. 

[Myleftboot]

Wish that bring down and shot had went in.

[McDog]

Just now, Myleftboot said:

Wish that bring down and shot had went in.

 

 

Would have been class.

[Kid Icarus]

It's coming.

[PauloGeordio]

 

[M1tche]

He is the exact definition of a midfield maestro, need him playing in the 6 either as a single or double pivot, but not with Bruno. 

 

He controls the game pace so well, love Bruno and he is class, but he's too forward thinking to control games like Tonali does. 

[Sergio]

Italian elegance 🇮🇹

 

His fist pumping celebration to the Gallowgate for Murphy's opener was pure 🥹

[Gallowgate Toon]

I think it easy to see why he's having a lot more joy in this role. It's less frenetic, less congested, he can be more considered in how he approaches the game.

 

I still think he can have a real part to play as a wider CM in the 3 but it's easy to forget he's adjusting to our league still. 

 

He and Bruno had some nice positional interchanges today. I really hope that continues.

[cubaricho]

3 hours ago, Tsunami said:

Don’t disagree but he really stepped up as the man when Bruno went off. For me he’s far more dynamic, more mobile and more of a threat. It’s a really difficult one; if we had to sell one of Bruno, Tonali or Isak, I’d be selling Bruno. My only concern would be Tonali’s commitment to the club.

Gordon is the purple to sell if absolutely necessary that we have to. 

[alexf]

Beginning to grow in confidence in a Newcastle shirt. Looked like our leader and heartbeat today.Really liked his performance.

 

Was a little glimpse into life after Bruno perhaps. Love Bruno but I think the position change will suit Bruno and Tonali. Been obvious ever since that Chelsea cup game.

 

Hope Tonali is here for years to come and keeps developing, his ceiling is high. 

[Stottie]

According to fbref, he had 95 touches, by far the most for him so far in a league game in a black and white shirt. The shocker is that his previous record was in his debut against Villa (!!)

 

I'm pretty sure his pass completion percentage is also on the rise, with a DM worthy 91% yesterday. You cannot give the ball away playing there.

 

It's taken a while, but we're starting to see the player we bought. He moves the ball so quickly it just seems to bounce off him.

 

[Keegans Export]

1 hour ago, Stottie said:

According to fbref, he had 95 touches, by far the most for him so far in a league game in a black and white shirt. The shocker is that his previous record was in his debut against Villa (!!)

 

I'm pretty sure his pass completion percentage is also on the rise, with a DM worthy 91% yesterday. You cannot give the ball away playing there.

 

It's taken a while, but we're starting to see the player we bought. He moves the ball so quickly it just seems to bounce off him.

 

At his best, that's what Bruno does too, and why it would have been difficult to replace him with a classic destroyer-style DM. Unfortunately he does get into the habit of holding on to the ball for too long at times.

 

Tonali seems to be that guy though. Dictates the tempo, gets things moving.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Bruno has to be allowed a little leeway to hold onto the ball IMO, because he can roll an opposition player and really open the game up. It’s about when he decides to do it obvs. 

[huss9]

see what happens when his lass decides to move back to the toon?

bit of fanny never hurt anyone.

[andyman]

[Chris_R]

59 minutes ago, huss9 said:

see what happens when his lass decides to move back to the toon?

bit of fanny never hurt anyone.

 

[ponsaelius]

I still think his performance has to be severely caveated by the fact Leicester are very poor. If there was ever a game you wanted to be the deepest midfielder and look good then that was it.

 

However - it's a positive sign that we seem to have finally decided to try him as a #6. Tbh this has been the thing that's puzzled me ever since his debut in pre-season at Rangers when he lined up at RCM with Longstaff in DM. Especially since we've also talked for ages about trying to 'release' Bruno further forward.