Sandro Tonali has not been good enough for Newcastle United.
That is the view of former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who believes the Italian midfielder is ‘struggling’ despite enjoying an impressive debut at the start of the season.
Becoming the Magpies’ marquee signing of the summer, Tonali, 23, arrived at St. James’ Park after the northeast giants agreed to a deal worth a reported £55 million (Sky Sports) with Serie A side AC Milan.
However, despite being lauded as one of the summer window’s most exciting signings, as well as scoring on his competitive debut against Aston Villa on the Premier League’s opening day, Tonali’s performances have since dried up, raising questions over his ability to live up to his price tag.
And although Lennon has admitted the former AC Milan playmaker is a gifted player, the now-pundit is worried about the Italy international’s recent performances, including a lacklustre display against Manchester City during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup cup tie.
“Tonali’s a very good player, I came up against him in the Europa League when he was with AC Milan. He seemed to start OK, but he’s struggling a bit lately,” he told BBC Sport.
How have you rated Tonali’s performances since the start of the season? – Let us know in the comments below.
He’s definitely struggling. Not taking the move too well personally I suspect and with news that the club needs to get him his own interpreter (so he better understands Eddie’s commands), it may continue for some time.
Tonali just needs time to adjust to life in a new country, with a new language, different style of football and a media that judges waaaay too quickly.
Tonali has quality, he has been thrust into the team quickly due to injuries to Joelinton and Willock. Howe waited to bring Bruno and Botman into the team. They need to understand the patterns of play, while also getting used to the pace of the Premier league and the physicality of English football.
Most Newcastle fans will allow him time to grow into the position, and he will show his class. His performance last night showed improvements. This is lazy journalism at it’s finest, written by someone who doesn’t seem to understand Eddie Howe or Newcastle. What does Neil Lennon know about Newcastle or the way our club operates?
Well said Silva77 couldn’t put it better myself.
I hope I’m wrong but he might be another Hugo Viana who Bobby Robson signed. Struggled to settle and never adjusted to the Premier league
Like any player new to a team and environment, time will be required to settle in and form synergistic relationships. Most reasonable people would accept this and not feel the need to pass premature judgement.
In Eddie and support team we trust!
Well for starters he’s not a play maker lol. He’s a box to box, cdm/ deep lying player. He’s a ball winner first, then gets it keeps the ball moving. He’s not gonna dribble players and score like that.
Give the lad time and his class will come through. We’ve seen little snippets, think how good he will actually be when it all comes together…. and it will!!