Newcastle United recruited one of the hottest players in Italian football when they signed Sandro Tonali for £55m in 2023.

Bringing the Italy international, dubbed the “new Andrea Pirlo”, to Tyneside is a significant move and a signal of intent that reflects the club’s growing ambitions. Tonali’s move comes as the club prepares to compete in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

Normally new signings are given a period of rest, but Tonali looked set to be on his way when he scored his first Newcastle goal on his debut against Aston Villa. Settling into a new home at St James’ Park.

Unfortunately, his 440 minutes in his first season can only serve as a preview of what’s to come. A 10-month ban for betting violations means Newcastle will be without Tonali from October 2023 until the first month of the season.

Newcastle United, which finished fourth in the Premier League last season, limped to seventh in his absence. They also crashed out of the Champions League group stages and failed to reach the quarter-finals of either domestic cup competition.

But now Tonali has returned and found a home at Newcastle.

Monday, December 30, 6:30 p.m.

Starts at 8:00 pm

Patience after spending 10 months in the dark

Tonali described his 10-month ban as a “low” period in his career, but he had the support of his teammates to guide him through this difficult period.

“The first month was difficult,” Tonali told sky sports news After he scored twice to help Newcastle United beat Brentford to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

“But I found a great team and great people off the court. The down times were a little difficult, but from January to August, it (feels) a little faster. I’m happy, I’m happy now.”

In scoring twice, Tonali scored for the first time since his first goal in August 2023. However, while these goals marked a turning point in his personal fortunes, Tonali struggled to carve out a spot on the flank despite returning at the start of the season. Tonali’s return did not go as planned due to Newcastle’s inconsistent start to the season.

Until mid-December, Tonali was winless in the six Premier League games he started. Newcastle only picked up 4 points from these games, losing to Chelsea and Brighton, while also handing the lead to Crystal Palace.

Despite Sean Longstaff being favored by Eddie Howe in Newcastle’s starting 11, Tonali was booed when he was substituted by the Magpies boss .

Looking for midfield balance

Tonali has found a happy place in a new role in Newcastle’s midfield. At the start of the season, Bruno Guimarães played as the deepest midfielder, while Tonali occupied a higher position on the pitch.

The two now find a working center, with Guimarães now playing in a more advanced position, mainly on the right, as the eight, while Tonali takes up the six position.

“We appreciate it very much,” Guimarães told sky sports news.

“It’s good for the team. We never reserve our positions, we always try to rotate our positions so we don’t get targeted, so I think the manager has found a way to make our positions work for the team. Way to do good.”

“Sometimes I’m No. 8, sometimes he’s No. 6, sometimes I’m No. 6. We all have the same style of play.”

Howe has made cuts and changes to the midfield this season, looking for the golden balance between covering the back four and supporting the attack.

Facing the attack in the midfield, Tonali allows players like Guimarães and Joelinton to influence the next game with more security, which is reflected in their performances in the Carabao Cup, Leicester City and Iran. This was evident in Puswich’s game against Brentford.

The Newcastle boss praised Guimaraes’ midfield strength and Tonali’s performance.

“I’m excited about the performance of the midfield trio,” he said after Newcastle United ended their winless run with a 4-0 win over Leicester City.

“We’re starting to see the best in Sandro Tonali. I think he’s very athletic and he’s very smart with the ball and makes good decisions.”

It’s early days and tougher tests lie ahead, but Newcastle’s new midfield with Tonali at its core could give Eddie Howe’s side the platform to resume their fight to top the Premier League table current situation.

Watch Manchester United v Newcastle on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event on Monday 30 December at 7pm; starts at 8pm