Tim Sherwood has waxed-lyrical about Sandro Tonali’s debut for Newcastle United during their 5-1 win over Aston Villa and how he showcased that he can do ‘everything’.
Within five minutes, Sandro Tonali was wheeling away in celebration after putting away a brilliant looping cross from Anthony Gordon, with Sherwood stating that he was ‘absolutely magnificent’.
The former Tottenham boss added that, forget about the 23-year-old just sitting in front of the defence, from passing to his ball-carrying ability, he feels he showcased the lot against a very good Aston Villa side, as he told Premier League Productions (14/08/23 at 2:50 pm).
During pre-season, both Villa and Newcastle recorded a 3-3 draw, with Tonali coming under criticism.
Now, that just proves that pre-season means jack all because Tonali looked every bit of, not just a top-quality Premier League player, but a Champions League performer.
Nonetheless, former Aston Villa boss Sherwood shared his thoughts on the Italy international and what he did well during the game.
“I thought he was very good,” said Sherwood. “All round play. We talked about, is he a sitter. A number eight? He can do everything this boy.
“He breaks the game up. His passing. His awareness of space. He sees a first-time pass. Knows when to slow the game down. He has got that lot.
“Tonali, it’s incredible for a debut. I have seen it first-hand. A lot of foreign players come over to the Premier League and find it very difficult to settle in. That is down to the management as well. Identifying a player that will fit into his system straight away.
“Early days. He can’t do any more wrong than what he did. He was absolutely magnificent.”
Tonali is a bargain in a crazy transfer market
In early January, Newcastle paid AC Milan £55 million for the all-action midfielder (Sky Sports), which if you compare it to this summer’s transfer market, is a bargain.
Everywhere you look, there is a midfield player being sold for £100 million, or is being touted at that price.
Enzo Fernandez and Declan Rice joined Jack Grealish by breaking the £100 million barrier this summer, well, if Moises Caicedo joins Chelsea, then he will break the British record transfer because there is talk that £115 million is being put on the table for the Brighton star, as reported by Sky Sports.
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