Darren Bent says Eddie Howe has a player who’s far too good for Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United have been a team on the rise in recent years, and that has led to the club bringing in many high-quality players.

However, with the Magpies failing to challenge the top four and truly break out to be pushing to win the Premier League or the Champions League, there are question marks over how long they can retain their top players.

Eddie Howe lost Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window. The Sweden international opted to join Liverpool because the Reds were seen as a bigger club that could win silverware.

With specific individuals standing out within the Newcastle United team, other clubs could look to sign players from Howe moving forward, and Bent believes there’s an obvious contender.

Darren Bent believes Sandro Tonali should be at a top Champions League team

While Newcastle boast top-quality stars such as Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes, Bent believes that Sandro Tonali is the best of the bunch.

During an appearance on talkSPORT, the former Tottenham striker clarified that he believes the Italian midfielder could be playing for a different club.

“Sandro Tonali. Oh my goodness gracious me, he should be playing for one of them, no disrespect to Newcastle, but a team that’s in Champions League every year, every single year.”

Tonali is a significant member of Howe’s team, having started every game this season in the Premier League, only not completing 90 minutes once.

His Newcastle teammates have waxed lyrical about him too, with Nick Woltemade describing Tonali as “amazing,” while Malick Thiaw claimed he is a “maestro.”

His consistent presence in the heart of Newcastle’s midfield backs all of that up, which is why there is constant speculation and rumours regarding his long-term future at St. James’ Park.

Paul Scholes believes Sandro Tonali is better than Declan Rice

Bent isn’t the only ex-pro who admires Tonali’s abilities; Paul Scholes has also publicly admitted to being a fan of the Magpies midfielder, as he explained on The Overlap.

“I love Tonali at Newcastle. He can run, I think he’s been brilliant. I think he’s better than Declan Rice.”

Jamie Carragher agreed with Scholes’ praise of Tonali, whom he has previously admitted to wanting in Liverpool’s team.

Given the focus and praise that is surrounding him at the moment, there will be an obvious concern within Newcastle about their ability to keep hold of him. But that is where Howe’s man-management style will have to fall into play, in a bid to make the biggest impact.