‘He has everything’: Andros Townsend surprised by the rise of player Newcastle sold

Follow us on Google Discover

Andros Townsend has bigged up his former Newcastle United teammate, Ivan Toney, as he prepares for his England bow.

The Everton winger admitted that he didn’t see Toney’s progress coming, but he now feels the Brentford star has ‘everything’ to his game, as he told talkSPORT.

After scoring 12 Premier League goals last season, which included helping Thomas Frank’s side secure safety, the 26-year-old now has five goals to his name.

That includes scoring a hat-trick against Leeds, all of which has caught Gareth Southgate’s eye because he has now earned a call-up for England.

Toney has the chance to make his Three Lions debut against Italy on Friday night in the UEFA Nations League or against Germany at Wembley on Monday.

Nonetheless, this is what Townsend made of Toney and how he has changed his career after having to graft his way through the leagues.

“I was briefly with him at Newcastle and he maybe went out on loan to Northampton or one of the teams in League One or League Two,” said Townsend. 

“I honestly didn’t see the progress that he has made. He’s a real handful. He’s an animal. He’s got technique. Penalties? Best penalty taker in the world. He scored a free-kick the other day.

“His hold-up play. He’s strong. He’s got character. He’s got everything. It’s going to be interesting to see him during these next few games and see how he gets on.”

TONEY IS WORTHY OF PLAYING FOR NEWCASTLE NOW

Toney left Newcastle in 2018 after only making four appearances for the club, before playing for several lower league sides and then earning promotion to the Premier League with Brentford.

Whilst Eddie Howe has two top strikers to pick from in Callum Wilson and summer signing, Alexander Isak.

Toney could argue that he is now more than good enough to earn minutes for the Magpies, and he showcased that when he scored against his former club at St James’ Park last season.

Nonetheless, the hard-hitting striker now has bigger fish to fry because, ahead of the 2022 World Cup in November, he needs to impress Southgate this coming week if he wants to earn that golden ticket.