Paul Merson doesn’t often speak sense when discussing all things Newcastle United, but his latest comments are surprisingly fair.
The former Arsenal man may be a little wounded by our 2-0 win at the Emirates last week, yet that hasn’t stopped him praising our recent run of form, a “big call” Eddie Howe has got bang on and Sandro Tonali.
Merson full of praise for Tonali and Toon
Speaking on Sky Sports over the weekend, Merson focused initially on Tonali’s superb run of form in that deeper midfield role.
Merson described the Italian as “outstanding” and even compared him to a Ballon D’or winner, feeling he will become the “next Rori” after starring in that No.6 position during an incredible festive period and start to 2025 for the team.
“I think he’ll be the next Rodri,” Merson said. “He’s outstanding, I’m a big fan of his. It’s a big call but he sits behind Bruno (Guimaraes) and gives Bruno more chances to bomb forward.
“With Joelinton, naturally a centre-forward who now plays in midfield and (therefore) always going to be getting into the box. They’ve been outstanding, those three. They’ve dominated games.”
Rodri is widely considered the best holding midfielder on that planet, so that’s high praise indeed from Merson, who then hailed Sven Botman for his seamless return to action after over NINE months out post-ACL surgery: “They are flying at the moment. (Sven) Botman came in and hadn’t played for how long? He just steps in and plays. It’s amazing. They’re flying.”
Discussing next month’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash with Arsenal, Merson added: “There’s a cliche in football ‘The next goal is important’. No more so than in the next leg. Arsenal have to score first, whatever happens.”
Do we have another world class talent?
When Tonali first arrived from AC Milan, most, including myself, saw him as a dynamic No.8 who could offer that extra sprinkle of pace, quality and physicality in a role Sean Longstaff had previously taken up.
He still has all the tools to shine in that role, but there’s no doubt his best form and the making of him at Newcastle United has come in that deeper No.6 spot. The Italian has looked top class.
Not only has his touch, speed of play, weight of pass and ability to always move the ball forward stood out, he is a monster physically, covering so much ground and finding a way to win his duels consistently with his mixture of speed, awareness and strength.
Not only do we have an elite striker in Alexander Isak, I feel lucky to be watching a midfield featuring one Brazilian bulldozer and two world class technicians in Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali – long may it last!
