Page 68 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

“IT TOOK ALL OF SIX MINUTES FOR SANDRO TONALI TO SCORE ON HIS DEBUT DURING THE MAGPIES’ 5-1 DEMOLITION OF ASTON VILLA AT ST. JAMES’ PARK ON THE OPENING DAY.”
SIGNINGS OF THE
AFTER A SUMMER FULL OF HIGH-PROFILE TRANSFER STORIES INVOLVING SOME
OF FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST NAMES, CIRO DI BRITA TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT NEW ARRIVALS TO EACH OF THE TOP FOUR LEAGUES IN EUROPE.
SUMMER
midfielder who can play several different roles. That combination is what made him Newcastle’s first choice to bolster a midfield that is already very forward thinking.
It is also why, contrary to the popular belief circulating from certain sections of British punditry, that Tonali would struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League, fans of Serie A know that his attributes are well suited to English football. It took all of six minutes for him to score on his debut during the Magpies’ 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa on the opening day of the new season. Tonali’s finish from close range after a lung-busting run into the Villa box to get on the end of an Anthony Gordon cross summed up the drive and determination of a player that helped Milan win their first Serie A title in 10 years in 2022. In an outstanding performance, it already seemed like the Geordies had taken Tonali to their hearts as he provided a tantalising glimpse of what he’ll bring to the side.
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe is deploying Tonali on the right of a midfield trio containing silky
68 SOCCER360 MAGAZINE
SUMMER
PREMIER LEAGUE -
SANDRO TONALI
Sandro Tonali had an emotional exit from Milan
this summer as he left for nouveau riche Newcastle United in a €70m deal that saw the midfielder
leave the club he supported as a child for a new adventure at St James’ Park. It was a statement signing, and one which could turn out to excellent value when compared to some of the other transfer fees spent by Premier League clubs on central midfielders in recent times.
The 23-year-old has 14 caps for Italy so far to his name and has been hailed as the new Andrea Pirlo in the past, although of course, the likeness to Pirlo is more down to his hairstyle and the fact he played for Brescia more than their similarities on the field. Tonali is more cut and thrust compared to Pirlo’s uncanny ability to play almost in slow motion
while picking passes out three steps in advance of those around him. Tonali plays on the front foot, is tough in the tackle, covers every blade of grass on the field, and has been moulded into the modern
Newcastle’s signing of Sandro Tonali could be one of the best deals of the summer
TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT
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