Alan Shearer, a Premier League legend, has recently made waves with his bold decision to name Sandro Tonali as his Player of the Season so far, leaving out some of the biggest names in the league, including Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah. Shearer’s choice has sparked both surprise and intrigue, given the quality performances from other contenders.
Sandro Tonali, the Italian midfielder who joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 from AC Milan, has had a transformative impact on the team. Known for his composure on the ball, his tactical intelligence, and his ability to control the tempo of the game, Tonali has quickly established himself as one of the most influential figures in the Premier League. Under Eddie Howe’s guidance, Tonali has shown why he was highly regarded as one of Italy’s brightest talents before his move to England.
Shearer’s selection of Tonali over other standout performers, such as Newcastle’s own Alexander Isak, has raised eyebrows. Isak, who has been in excellent form, scoring crucial goals and proving himself as a key attacking player for the Magpies, has undoubtedly been one of the Premier League’s top forwards this season. His pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing have made him a standout player for both club and country. However, Shearer’s praise for Tonali highlights the midfielder’s more subtle, yet equally crucial, contributions to Newcastle’s rise this season.
Mohamed Salah, another player who many would have expected to be in the running for Player of the Season, was also snubbed by Shearer. Salah’s continued excellence for Liverpool, including his consistency in scoring and creating goals, has kept him at the top of his game. Despite his undeniable talent, Shearer’s omission of the Egyptian forward suggests that Tonali’s overall influence on his team has been more significant, at least in Shearer’s eyes. Tonali’s defensive contributions, his passing range, and his leadership in midfield have undoubtedly been vital to Newcastle’s strong performances.
In naming Tonali as his Player of the Season so far, Shearer is acknowledging the broader contributions that midfielders make in shaping a team’s success. While goal scorers like Isak and Salah naturally draw attention due to their goal-scoring feats, Tonali’s work in the middle of the park has been instrumental in balancing Newcastle’s attack and defense. His ability to break up opposition attacks, distribute the ball efficiently, and orchestrate play from deep positions has been a crucial factor in his team’s impressive run in the Premier League.
It’s also worth noting that Shearer, as a former striker and one of the Premier League’s all-time top scorers, may have a unique perspective on what makes a player truly influential. While goals are often the most celebrated aspect of football, Shearer’s choice reflects a deeper understanding of how midfielders can shape the dynamics of a team. Tonali’s influence on Newcastle’s midfield has helped to bring balance to a side that has often relied on its defensive solidity and team structure under Eddie Howe.
In conclusion, Alan Shearer’s decision to name Sandro Tonali his Player of the Season so far is a testament to the value of midfielders in modern football. While players like Isak and Salah have been exceptional in their respective roles, Tonali’s all-around contributions have made him the standout player in Shearer’s eyes. His ability to control games, break up attacks, and facilitate his team’s offensive play has been crucial in Newcastle’s impressive campaign. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Tonali can maintain his high standards and prove Shearer’s faith in him to be well-founded.
