Is Newcastle's heavyweight purchase of last season finally paying them off?

Newcastle has got to a decent start in their 2024/25 campaign, having managed 7 points in their first 3 Premier League matchdays. While the club's overall performance hasn't been distinctively dominating, the comeback of their star midfielder has reenergized the Magpies midfield, promising significant improvement.

Is Newcastle's heavyweight purchase of last season finally paying them off?

Signed for £55M from AC Milan, Sandro Tonali hadn't enjoyed significant game time last season due to off-field issues. However, the star midfielder's recent return seems to have changed Newcastle's overall momentum. Marking his start in the Carabao Cup fixture against Nottingham Forest, Tonali had emerged as the best performer of Howe's side.

Moreover, making his Premier League return in the matchday against Tottenham, Sandro Tonali showed signs of brilliance, replicating the expectations from him. Coming in the 68th minute, the defensive midfield ace made a few key blocks and interceptions, contributing to the club's 2-1 win over Tottenham.

On top of that, Sandro Tonali seemed quite impressive in the recent Italy vs. France fixture, playing a decisive role in the nation's 3-1 win over Kylian Mbappe-led France. Despite having conceded an early goal in the 1st minute, Tonali helped Italy return to the fixture, making an exquisite assist in the 30th minute.

In a forward play, a brilliant backheel-weighted flick from Tonali proved to be the perfect pass for an onrushing Dimarco, who scored a volley to equalize it for Italy. Apart from his goal contribution, Tonali proved vital in the 3-1 win, controlling the possession, contributing to quick counters, and covering every blade of grass in the fixture.

On his remarkable return, Italy's manager Luciano Spalletti was in awe of the midfielder's performance and said,

"“We’ve got a great player back.”"

- Luciano Spalletti

Adding further, Spalletti happily mentioned,

"“We can say we’ve finally got a magnificent player back, Sandro Tonali. He’s been fantastic. He put in a magnificent performance.""

- Luciano Spalletti

Overall, having made significant comebacks, both for Newcastle United and his national side, Tonali has been performing at the same level, as he was awaited for a long time. In the long season ahead, the Magpies club would hope that the star midfielder continues the same way, devoid of any injuries and off-field issues.