Sandro Tonali is being targeted by a host of clubs, including European powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Newcastle United reportedly have a gentlemen’s agreement with Tonali that would allow the Italian to leave should the Magpies miss out on Champions League football for next season.
While European clubs have emerged with interest, the main teams in line to make a move are in the Premier League. Manchester United are already positioning themselves, while Manchester City and Arsenal are keeping tabs.
In this article, we’ll cover
Tonali’s season so far
Tonali has already played 47 times for Newcastle across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing seven assists.
The 25-year-old has averaged 1.14 chances created per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season. He’s also averaged 1.19 attempted take-ons and 1.23 shots per 90. It emphasises his attacking contribution despite often playing as the No.6 for Newcastle.
It’s a role Tonali has had to get used to, with Bruno Guimaraes given the freedom to roam further forward.
Newcastle currently sit 12th in the Premier League this season, seven points outside the top five. It would take a huge crash for the Premier League to miss out on an extra Champions League spot for next season.
Tonali’s off-ball tactical flexibility
One of Tonali’s biggest strengths is his tactical flexibility within out-of-possession structures. This has been showcased at Newcastle this season.
The Italian has the engine to press high with intensity, follow his assignment across the pitch in a man-to-man fashion. But he can also screen the defensive line as the No.6.
Tonali’s out-of-possession versatility has beared fruit this season. Newcastle have jumped their press down the left-hand side, leaving Tonali marking the opposition attacking midfielder, often in the last line.
The Italian can drop to form a temporary back four at times with Lewis Hall or Tino Livramento jumping out. This allows Newcastle to match up with the opposition front four.
But Tonali’s engine and intensity also allow him to follow players dropping into their own defensive third. It keeps that man-for-man pressure and Tonali can look to regain possession in dangerous areas.
Box-to-box engine
On the ball, Tonali’s physical engine makes him such a desirable piece of a puzzle when building a competitive squad.
While he has been more of a No.6 for Newcastle this season, the Italian has the ability to play as more of a box-to-box midfielder. He can drop deep to help drive his side forward with progressive carrying quality, before bursting forward and arriving in dangerous areas in the final third.
Tonali’s box-crashing also hasn’t been fully harnessed at Newcastle, with the Italian strong at arriving in the box to finish off chances.
He has the ball-striking ability and relentless engine to arrive in those areas on a consistent basis to score goals and create tension in the opposition box.
When in the advanced areas, Tonali can also counterpress when possession is lost, giving his sides a better chance of winning the ball back in dangerous areas.
Best tactical fit?
How Tonali is used will depend on where he goes in the summer — should he leave. The Italian offers a well-rounded midfield profile that can be used in a variety of ways, dependent on other pieces around him.
The best, contrasting, examples would be how he’d fit at Man City and Man Utd.
Tonali would likely be Casemiro’s replacement at Man Utd, partnering Kobbie Mainoo in a double pivot with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them.
Mainoo is more creative, wanting to receive and carry forward to initiate opposition defensive behaviours and combine with forwards. So Tonali’s role would likely be as the No.6 looking to get on the ball in deeper areas and progress play through his passing.
Tonali has the long-rane passing quality and defensive strength to effectively protect the backline with energy and intensity. But his shorter-range passing and ability to control the tempo isn’t his best asset. And that’s arguably what Man Utd need most.
Man City are also looking to bolster their midfield options this summer. They’ve been linked with Tonali but also Elliot Anderson.
If Rodri were to stay at the club next season, Man City would ideally need a more athletic box-to-box type next to him. Someone who could contribute in all phases, adding dynamism and extra legs to defend transitions in the midfield.
Tonali is clearly highly sought-after due to his all-round profile. Teams can build their midfield unit and utilise the Italian to plug gaps which are lacking. He’d add much-needed physicality as the Premier League continues to become more and more dependent on those physical attributes.