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Why Eddie Howe was previously refusing to play Sandro Tonali as a number six for Newcastle
When he initially returned from his ban, Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali looked a somewhat frustrated figure at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe was initially cautious about throwing Tonali into his starting eleven at Newcastle when he returned, the Italian was in and out of the team.
However, things changed quite dramatically when Howe decided to utilise Tonali as his number six, a role he wasn’t originally intended for.
Howe changed his Tonali plan as a result of Bruno Guimaraes staying at the club, a superstar Newcastle were at risk of losing owing to his release clause.
And despite speculation, Newcastle never wanted to sell Tonali, even if there was interest from the Serie A.
Eddie Howe was biding his time to unleash Sandro Tonali at Newcastle
After a run of starts for Newcastle as their six, Tonali is now indispensable to Howe’s plans.
Performances have improved dramatically since Howe unleashed Tonali in the position, something he was actually hesitant to do earlier in the campaign.
have now provided some insight into the process of Howe eventually went about changing Tonali’s position.
READ MORE: How Newcastle will pay for St James’ Park rebuild as 11 new stadium designs show PIF vision
According to the report, Newcastle have become big on performance data this term, a significant factor behind all of their decision making.
Howe has been biding his time before using Tonali as a six because he was making sure that the Italian was physically ready to play that role in the Premier League, which is no easy task.
Tonali spent a long period on the sidelines, and Howe was only prepared to give the midfielder a go in the role once he was hitting the right numbers.
Shearer was convinced about Tonali’s potential earlier in the season, and now all on Tyneside are seeing the midfielder’s full capability.
Lewis Hall also receiving greater trust at Newcastle
Of course, it’s not just Tonali who is thriving during this improved run of form at St James’ Park.
In addition to Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall has also seen a sharp upturn in form, a player Howe is also trusting more this season.
Alan Shearer thinks Hall is ready for England, a player who Thomas Tuchel might consider for his first squad in March.
After an indifferent start to the season for the club, things are now looking a lot more rosy for Howe and his side who will still hoping for a European spot.
Newcastle expect Howe to qualify for Europe, a minimum expectation this season.