Chris Waugh says he is 'not worried' that world-class midfielder has had his head turned but admits he is in minority among journalists
Newcastle United fans have been left scratching their heads over the recent form of Sandro Tonali as the Italian has looked miles off his best this season.
On his day, there are few better midfielders in the Premier League and none with his level of calm on the ball. Tonali's ability to see and play a pass is unmatched ... usually.
In addition to his passing ability, Tonali has worked extremely hard on his conditioning and the Italian can run at full tilt from one end of the pitch to the other in the 90th minute with no issues. Indeed, he did it in the 120th minute against Bournemouth on Saturday.
However, there's no getting away from the fact that this season, particularly of late, Tonali hasn't looked his usual world-class self.
Chris Waugh doesn't believe Sandro Tonali has an eye on the exit door
There is always speculation about Tonali's future with Juventus, constantly sniffing around, although the chances they could afford to bring Tonali back to Italy are minuscule if not non-existent. However, fans are still concerned that Tonali's head has beenturned by someone.
Thankfully, Chris Waugh has laid out a good argument in The Athletic today why that's likely not the case.
"I am not overly worried about losing Tonali in the short term, though I will caveat that by saying I often feel I am in a minority, even among my journalistic colleagues, on that front.
"As for his recent form, Tonali’s performances have taken a significant dip. Off the ball, he has rediscovered some of his energy and tenacity in the past couple of games, but in possession he has remained sloppy. Given he became a father for the first time last Thursday, perhaps that significant life development has been affecting him, but in time I have no doubts the midfielder will rediscover his best levels and become influential again."
Fatherhood can take its toll
For us, the fact that his wife has just had a baby speaks volumes. If you've ever had kids, you know that the sleepless nights don't just come after the nipper is born, but they start pretty much from the minute you find out you're expecting. Granted, when you're absolutely minted, there are a lot fewer things to worry about, but it's still daunting.
We're going to put his dip in form down to that, anyway. It makes more sense than the idea that he's had his head turned by another club.
As Chris Waugh also pointed out, Tonali is contracted until 2029, and Newcastle could extend that to 2030, so it's going to take one hefty bid to liberate him from Tyneside. We see this purely as a dip in form and nothing to worry too much about.
