Sandro Tonali makes mockery of Italian media as Newcastle United statement made

The Newcastle United midfielder scored a first-half brace in Wednesday night’s 3-1 quarter-final Carabao Cup victory over Brentford. It was the first time Tonali has found the net since returning from his 10-month ban.

“He has an unbelievable strike from distance that we see regularly in training,” said Howe. “He hits a ball cleaner than anyone I've seen really so he can score from distance and we encourage them to get into those positions.

“I like to see players rewarded for their dedication, hard work and loyalty - those things mean a lot when you see behind the scenes what a player has given to achieve success,” said Howe.

“Sandro has given a lot here, a lot of difficult moments and a lot of dark times, probably a lot of dark and negative emotions early on with the ban so to see what he has gone through and now to see him enjoying his football, I’m just really happy for him and his family.

“It's brilliant to see from my perspective. He's a big signing and you want your big signings to do well and settle quickly. He's been here a while but has had very little football so nights like tonight will build the connection between him and the supporters even stronger.”

Before his full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on November 30, Tonali had played more minutes for Italy in the Nations League than he had for United this campaign.

But in recent weeks, the 24-year-old has enjoyed a regular run in the team in the ‘No.6’ position.

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Howe said: “He was always a six and an eight. The profile of the player I wanted to sign was someone that could play both positions. You have to consider we have had Bruno [Guimaraes] fit and available for most games, his ability to keep performing and be available has been incredible but there is no guarantee with that with any player’s fitness.

“But I think it is clear Sandro has looked a lot more at home in a deeper position.

“I think his endurance is very, very strong - I think that is one of his best qualities. His athletic performances have been really good because he’s an explosive player, you can see he has helped us on transitions and puts out a lot of fires for us as teams begin to break with his pace and his sensing and reading of danger.

“We’ve had to manage his minutes slightly because of course he’s come from nothing to a lot of football but I think he’s coming to a place now where he is able to tolerate the intensity of the Premier League and the quick turnaround of games.”

The Italian media have been relentless in linking Tonali with an immediate return to his homeland but Howe insists the player is happy. And last night proves it.

“I don't think that has ever come from Sandro because he’s always, in my conversations, been very, very happy and very content and of course wants to be part of a successful team,” said Howe.

“I think nights like tonight showcase his talents and what a player he will be for us and what he is right now. I’ve only ever seen a player who is happy at Newcastle.”