Sandro Tonali – How wrong could I have been? | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali has well and truly established himself as a top EPL performer in 2024/25, a footballer who would probably walk into any current Premier League club’s starting eleven.

His rise after the fall, for both Newcastle United and Italy, has been nothing short of phenomenal.

After serving a humbling and distressing worldwide 10 month ban, Tonali has shown great fortitude and dedication to re-establish his reputation, both on and off the pitch.

I was one of the cynical and and unforgiving United fans when Sandro Tonali received his ban.

In my eyes I couldn’t see a way back for him.

I even wondered why he should be given another chance and if Newcastle should have just cut our losses. How wrong could I have been.

I have since changed my tune altogether and my mates would confirm that I now refer to Sandro Tonali as ‘The Man who would be King’.

Yes, I actually believe that he is that important to where we are hopefully heading.

This man has been a rock for United since our turnaround in form in December 2024.

Every time I see him play he shows me something different or new in his make-up. He is quick, tenacious, strong and is calm in possession. He has a good first touch and an eye for a slide rule pass.

His attitude has been first class and along with the rest of his teammates you can see the pride he now shares in the black and white jersey.

Let there be no doubt about it, Sandro Tonali is one of the main reasons that Newcastle United finally ended our long wait for domestic silverware.

He has also reclaimed his place in the Italy side, becoming their talisman whilst putting in some fantastic displays for the Azzurri.

I’m hoping our man “who drinks Morretti and eats spaghetti” (and the rest of the United players) now complete this season in style.