I don't know how Eddie Howe will solve Newcastle United headache despite 'obvious' answer
It is a big dilemma for Eddie Howe to solve and one the Newcastle United boss has no doubt had on his mind for a number of months: Which three players does he pick in the middle of the park?
Sandro Tonali's impressive return to competitive football means he is breathing down the necks of his fellow midfielders on Tyneside as he looks to force his way into Howe's starting XI. So far, the Italian has started in the Carabao Cup but was only brought off the bench in the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur days later.
Nobody, and most likely not even Howe himself, expected Tonali to then go on and play 90 minutes in both of his country's international fixtures during the current break. To add, not only did the 24-year-old see out both ties in full, he looked mightily impressive in doing so too.
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So that brings us back to the midfield dilemma back on Tyneside. The vast majority of supporters would point to the fact Sean Longstaff is the most 'obvious' contender to lose his spot. However, Howe trusts the academy graduate implicitly and history provides proof that he very rarely drops him from his starting side.
Longstaff, often referred to as Howe's 'unsung hero, has more regularly than not repaid the boss' favour. There are statistics from last season's Premier League outings alone that show in his favour, too.
The 26-year-old offers a goal threat when playing the furthest forward of the midfield three and has perfected his ability to time late runs into the penalty area. Last season, in the top flight, Longstaff outscored and recorded more assists than Joelinton, averaged more shots per game than the Brazilian and had a higher 'Expected Goals' tally than him.
Often described as doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, Longstaff has become a valued part of the system Howe has created on Tyneside thanks to his tireless running.
“He pulled me and reaffirmed to me all the positives that I bring to the team. Sometimes it’s nice to have that conversation and the timing was really good," Longstaff said of the Newcastle boss last term.
“Sometimes you can get caught up in everything that’s going on outside. What people are saying, I can’t control that. Ultimately, all I can do is play football and, whatever people say, people say. It is what it is. He believes in me and I really appreciate it. He and his staff have been great with me since they walked in the door. He’s a special person.”
A few months later, Howe responded: “I think he’s got everything depending on what system you want to play but for us, he perfectly fits the number eight role that we’re using him in."
Of course, football is a ruthless game and the only other alternative upon slotting Tonali back into the middle means one of Joelinton or Bruno Guimaraes drops out. Taking either of the Brazilian boys out of the starting XI, given their consistency and ability, seems unfathomable.
That then brings us back to Tonali. After two stellar Italy outings this week, the clamour to see him thrust into the starting XI at Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend will no doubt grow. Will Howe give those supporters their wish? History would suggest possibly not.
The Newcastle boss is adamant Tonali has a while to go until, physically, he is back up to speed. There is an internal feeling that they should not rush the former AC Milan star back after such a lengthy period without competitive action.
However, before long there will be a decision to make on the best trio to use going forward. I, for one, do not know which way Howe will lean. Throw Joe Willock and Lewis Miley into the equation further down the line and Howe has an incredible array of talent at his disposal in midfield this term.