The GLADIATOR is back! Why Sandro Tonali can transform NUFC!

Sandro... ole, ole, ole! What a masterclass! Here are my thoughts after Newcastle United's penalty-shootout victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup - and why Sandro Tonali can make all the difference for NUFC this season.

[gavinblenkinsop]

Tonali’s passing, vision, dynamics are what our midfield has lacked since his ban began.

[jamiekirkbride]

Emotional seeing him embrace the fans at the end of the game.

[davideseregni]

I am happy that Tonali has found a public and fans who love him as much as we did at AC Milan since he was a baby boy 🙂

[BillyfromConsett]

I really hope that we DON'T deal with Crystal Palace - to cup tie a player they want £70m for shows their true motives, and that's to humiliate our club. We need to leave this one.

[TrevorWalker-tc]

I now see what Eddie saw. He looks fit and strong but the way he moves is incredible, he glides effortlessly, and always forward. The other two huge positives for me were that the slick pass and move was back, albeit in short spells, for the fitst time in a while. Lastly, the first time Gordon has convinced me he wants to be here. He was full of intent tonight. Brilliant!

[paulhacking]

Tonali’s performance described with aplomb. Such grace and vision yet powerful, quite a rare combination. If he can maintain that inspiration throughout the season then he can elevate the team to the level we all want.

[toonarmynz]

He ws outstanding, in a class of his own and we are lucky to have him

[nathanh]

Sandro looks like a rolls Royce of a midfielder quite emotional seeing him with the fans at the end of the game there lets hope this is just the start.

[ossealey]

Willock's short cameo highlighted what we really need in midfield, someone who can run at pace with the ball.
From the moment he went off we looked pedestrian.

[ElenaMarcelino]

Miguel Almiron was our best player last night. I hope Dubravka starts against Spurs. Nick Pope will give me a heart attack.

[garyv]

Was really excited to see Tonali in the starting line up, he looked as you say free, a heavy weight lifted from a young guys shoulders. What did we see, pace, power, crisp passing. Lot more to come as the match fitness returns, as most have said he’s like a brand new signing. I hope the news on Willock isn’t too serious, he looked genuinely upset going off, he gives us a driving energy we sadly missed last season. Fingers crossed for the lad.

[iiJaydeex]

his first time passing was outstanding, he was the only player on that pitch that had the confidance to try the dangerous passes. he's only going to get better.

[peterdodsworth]

Brilliant performance by Tonality on his first game back, just sheer class.

[robnicholson]

You're spot on Craig. I don't think we can emphasize enough, how good a performance that was from Tonali. Ten months out and he comes back and dominates like he did. He has this authority that no other player, even Bruno displays. So many facets to his game that the team has been missing. Great stuff!

[Ellio]

I don't recognise the team from previous seasons, we don't press or control games.
All the intensity has gone, Tonali was great.

[jededge]

sandro was fantastic, we need a few more like him in time

[alanlittle]

So good to see Sandro back Craig. He sees a pass before most see one . Straight to Spoons on the High Street surely! Great video mate

[grahamtowler]

Tonali at least a bright spark and good to see him taking to the fans

[GeorgeWafer]

Sorry for Joe Willock he gives his all and helps with the overall rhythm of the team which was lost as soon as he went off cannot wait to see a match fit Sandro Tonali !, great video Craig !

[grahamritchie]

It is so good to have Sandro back he was brilliant tonight man can't wait to see him play in the Premier League. By the way great interview he said all the right things!