Sean McCormick covers Newcastle United for ChronicleLive. He began his career reporting on North East sport and has worked as an editor for the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing, joining ChronicleLive in 2016.
On Newcastle United’s latest match, £69million signing Nick Woltemade grabbed the headlines on his debut, scoring the winning goal in the Magpies’ 1-0 victory over Wolves at St James’ Park.
Yet it was Sandro Tonali who quietly dominated the game. From midfield, the Italian controlled the tempo, led Newcastle’s relentless press, and relieved pressure with key interceptions or smart ball carries.
Eddie Howe praised Tonali after the match:
“He was putting out a lot of fires on transition today and has done that superbly well for some time. His game reading, athleticism, speed, and creativity make him a major factor in our defensive and attacking play.”
Tonali’s performances have been consistently excellent, even if they rarely attract the same attention as big-name transfers. Unlike Alexander Isak, who dominated summer headlines before his move to Liverpool, Tonali remains the club’s midfield lynchpin. His early 10-month ban for gambling may have shielded him from the spotlight, keeping his exceptional talent Newcastle’s best-kept secret.
The club hopes it stays that way, with few outside Tyneside recognizing his impact despite comparisons with some of the Premier League’s top midfielders.
To celebrate Newcastle’s return to the Champions League, ChronicleLive has produced a 40-page special edition, featuring features, in-depth analysis, club profiles, and the full tournament fixture list. It is priced at £3.50 in select retailers and available online with worldwide shipping.
Fans can also get Newcastle United news straight to their phones via WhatsApp for live updates throughout the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.