Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 4.
Player analysis: Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
Tonali has energy to burn and a fierce determination to make up for lost time, so look out for him to make a big impact for Newcastle United in the coming weeks, starting at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
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Returning from a long-term suspension, the midfielder made his first Premier League appearance for 11 months as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in Matchweek 3.
And after getting two 90-minute performances under his belt for Italy during the international break, the 24-year-old could have an impact this weekend.
Non-stop running
A trait Tonali will bring in abundance to Eddie Howe's side is energy.
He delivered an all-action display against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup on his return. In his 28-minute cameo against Spurs in the Premier League, he did not stop running.
Tonali's average speed of 7.28km/h was by far the highest of any Newcastle player in that match and his 124 intensive sprints were the most made while he was on the pitch.
In that match against Spurs, Tonail also registered a top speed of 34.12km/h, which was second only to Harvey Barnes, with 34.71km/h.
When you reflect on what he brought to Howe’s team prior to his absence, it is Tonali’s workrate and dynamism that immediately stands out.
He averaged 12km per 90 minutes during the early stage of 2023/24, while also making more sprints and pressures than any other player in the Newcastle midfield.
Newcastle midfielders distance covered and runs 23/24
| Player | Mins | Distance | Sprints/90 | Pressures/90 | Targeted runs/90 |
| Bruno Guimaraes | 3538 | 11.6km | 8.4 | 24.3 | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Longstaff | 2974 | 12.1km | 14.2 | 25.2 | 4 |
| Joelinton | 1551 | 10.5km | 12.2 | 20.8 | 3.9 |
| Lewis Miley | 1205 | 11.5km | 11.7 | 26.1 | 4.9 |
| Sandro Tonali | 460 | 12.0km | 15.8 | 29.2 | 4.1 |
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Clever runs from deep
Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side will need to be watchful of forward runs made by Tonali at Molineux.
When play builds on the opposite side, especially from counters, he is brilliant at seeing space and surging into it with expert timing.
He was only denied a comeback goal against Forest by a terrific save after he had been played in by Alexander Isak (see image below).
That undetected sprint from deep was reminiscent of two memorable moments from his Premier League debut against Aston Villa in August 2023.
On that day Tonali made a 50-yard sprint on the blindside of Unai Emery’s midfield to get himself in for a 1v1 with Emiliano Martinez.
And Tonali also scored his first Newcastle goal by running into the area from outside the box to convert a lovely Anthony Gordon cross on the volley.
If the Wolves midfielders do not track Tonail's forays forward, get caught ball watching, or lose concentration, he has the power and dynamism to punish them.
Delivering quality
Tonali also has pedigree when it comes to delivering quality inside the final third.
Scoring goals is not usually an issue for Newcastle, but a lot of their goal threat does come from rapid counters, breaks and transitions.
They would sometimes benefit from a touch more guile and Tonali could be the midfielder to supply it for them in the coming matches.
He produced a sumptuous back-flick assist for Italy in their recent 3-1 win against France that will build his confidence no end.
Tonali's flick assist v France
Three goals, three scorers, three points in Paris 😎#FRAITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Iu0Kw2mgyW
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 7, 2024
And Howe will know that delicate touches and pieces of clever vision like that could well make the difference in tight matches.
Tonali's right-footed deliveries are sure to be welcomed by team-mates from set-pieces and open play.
On his Newcastle debut against Villa, Tonali conjured up a great pre-assist for Isak’s goal on 16 minutes (below), whipping a perfect cross into the box at pace for Sven Botman to assist the Swede's goal.
Tonali did make 62 key passes and seven assists for Milan during the 2022/23 season, ranking him inside the top eight in Serie A for both categories. So his high-quality technique and eye for a pass will be a real asset.
Tale of the Tape
Bruno Guimaraes is one of the first names on Howe's teamsheet, so Tonali is effectively competing for two positions within the Newcastle midfield.
Lewis Miley is currently out injured, so it is Joe Willock (close to full fitness), Sean Longstaff and Joelinton who represent his main competition in the short term.
Based on his brief appearances last season, Tonali did outperform Longstaff in most departments.
He certainly offers more quality in possession, while at least matching the Academy graduate’s application levels.
Tonali is far more prolific in terms of the touches and passes he makes, compared with Willock.
While Willock wins more duels and ball recoveries, he offers much less creativity.
Joelinton, who often likes to play on the left of Newcastle’s midfield trio, did outshine Tonali in many areas last season, according to the stats.
If the Italian is to leapfrog him in the pecking order, he will need to show he can offer more aggression and ball-winning qualities.
Having waited so long for him to be available, it is hard to imagine Howe pondering for too long as to when to hand Tonali his first Premier League start of the season.
Don't be surprised to see Tonali soon become a crucial fixture in Newcastle's side.
