'Tonali shows commitment with actions and words'
- Published
Sandro Tonali has not looked back.
It was just 14 months ago that the midfielder returned to action for Newcastle after serving his suspension.
And he has become indispensable.
Eddie Howe's subsequent decision to shift Tonali to the number six role unlocked something in both the Italian and, indeed, this side as they went on to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy and qualify for the Champions League last season.
Though Newcastle have endured a mixed start to the Premier League – they currently lie in 14th place – Tonali has merely picked up from where he left off.
Tonali's athleticism is such that, according to football stats database Fbref, he has carried the ball further – 1,722 yards – than any other Newcastle player this season.
The intelligent Italian rarely loses the ball and only Kieran Trippier has completed more passes, had more touches and hit more progressive passes for Newcastle than the influential midfielder.
Yet Tonali also does the gritty side of the game well, too.
Only centre-back Sven Botman has made more blocks than Tonali (13) for Newcastle, while defenders Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn are the only players to make more interceptions than his 12.
Though others, perhaps, grab the headlines more often, no-one at Newcastle needs reminding about Tonali's importance.
As well as strengthening the side moving forward, Newcastle need to keep hold of their best players, particularly after losing Alexander Isak in the summer, which could lead to discussions over fresh terms.
The Isak saga proved contracts do not carry the weight they once did after the centre-forward went on strike to force through a £125m move to Liverpool despite having three years left on his deal.
But Tonali has long shown his commitment with his actions and his words.