Thread by @pythaginboots

Is Sandro Tonali A Good Tactical Fit For Newcastle? [Thread]

➡️Brings midfield support to Bruno G
➡️Trippier unleashed
➡️Tactical evolution in the long run
➡️However, Tonali’s presence doesn’t resolve the question of whether Bruno is still the ideal choice as the 6

#NUFC

Tonali brings much needed support to Bruno G in midfield. Despite having success playing in a swashbuckling style, Eddie Howe knows against Europe’s elite, his side needs more balance in midfield.

Tonali from a young age was mis-profiled as a deep playmaker but’s he’s much more of a B2B midfielder who gets around the pitch, influencing play in multiple areas of the pitch. A Gattuso-lite, albeit being more astute in possession.

Milan’s backline + Bennacer are far more influential in the possession play. Tonali responsibilities are isolated to receiving and moving the ball quickly. There’s a lack of tempo in his game.

Tonali does however provide an option to progress the ball. His lack of tempo presents a positive solution to moving the ball through the thirds. He was one of Milans better ball progressors and this asset can be realised by Newcastle.

Tonali’s addition is an upgrade on the current midfield situation which sees Bruno G having most of the possession responsibility, with 2 attacking 8’s ahead of him, often abdicating the early build-up phase.

As mentioned before, Tonali can impact multiple facets of play. Replacing one of Willock/Joelinton shouldn’t impact Newcastle’s defensive output as Tonali is adept to getting stuck in.

The overall picture here should be clear. Tonali is not a dictator. He’s not a ball hawk. He doesn’t necessarily standout in one attribute. He will however back you in duels, won’t leave you stranded in build-up and take some responsibility on the ball when needed.

Tonali’s synergistic qualities go further. I think it’s understated how much of important role Trippier has in possession and progressing the ball. With the addition of Tonali, this should free up Trippier to focus less on build up and be a bigger force further up the pitch.

Sean Dyche once described Trippier as a player that has every club in the bag. Whilst it’s true he can affect the game from multiple areas of play, if Newcastle really want to elevate themselves tactically, they should look to push Trippier further forward.

Trippier is currently far too involved in multiple facets of Newcastle’s game:

1. Build-up
2. Progression
3. Goal creation

He can be much more effective in the final 3rd if he’s no longer obliged to lead Newcastle in so many categories.

An extra nugget is Tonali’s crossing ability. For someone who’s predominantly played in a double pivot, his crossing output is very impressive. Him and Trippier down the right could be deadly in creating many crossing angles or even from the left.

Holistically this transfer signals the first big tactical shift under Eddie Howe. He’s fundamentally effecting multiple areas of the pitch and elevating the roles of Newcastle’s two most influential players in Trippier and Bruno G.

Tonali's in-possession impact is twofold: lifting some of the build-up burden off Trippier and Bruno G’s shoulders and allowing Trippier to affect the game further up field, whilst fitting in with Newcastle’s culture of fast, vertical football.

The transitional qualities of Tonali should also provide opportunities for Newcastle to win the ball back, relay it to the fulcrum ball progressor in Bruno G and get it moving vertically again.

So far Newcastle have had great results playing in a very energetic and workmanlike way. This tactical shift should better prepare them for European football and long term, steer them closer to being a team capable of dominating games.

It would be remise of us to pretend this is a perfect transfer. Whilst this signing no doubt is a net positive for Bruno G, it still leaves him as the first receiver from the defence. This is not his ideal role.

Bruno G would benefit from playing further forward, still dictating the game and tempo but also avoiding the need to receive on the half turn constantly. He’s a quality midfielder, but he’s shown in many a game to be irresponsible in the pivot role.

You could argue this may be down to a lack of support and Tonali coming in fixes this problem. Overall, his style of play would benefit playing alongside/ahead of a pivot who can receive on the turn, under pressure (i.e a Rodri)

Some will argue that an outlay of €70m + add-ons is an inflated fee for the quality of player that Newcastle is receiving. This is a fair criticism. However, it’s important to understand why Newcastle are willing to part ways with a lot of money.

Tonali’s arrival represents:

1. A straight fit and improves Newcastle tactically.
2. It also elevates Newcastle’s best players.
3. Tonali is a young midfielder with a lot of miles left in the tank.

Therefore, €70m in the long run could prove to be very fruitful.

How would Newcastle line up on paper? The inclusion of Tonali, ceteris paribus, may see Joelinton dropped with Willock being the main attacking outlet from midfield, rotating with Isak to provide a wide threat on the left.

Assume Newcastle brought in another midfielder. They’ve been heavily linked with Barella and this signing would bring even more balance to the midfield. The Italian duo could provide a better defensive base, whilst putting more onus on the front 3 to provide the goals.

Another option is Maddison. In a midfield 3 he would elevate Newcastle’s possession play. I could see him and Bruno G dictating proceedings, with Tonali plugging the gaps where needed. This option personally excites me the most.

Lastly, Newcastle have been linked with Livramento of Southampton. Could he be an alternative attacking LB? It would allow Newcastle to play more top heavy and sit Bruno G and Tonali in the double pivot. This wouldn’t be ideal if Maddison wasn’t brought in to play as the #10.