Roy Keane Leaves Sky Sports Panel in Awe with Bold Sandro Tonali Claim
In a recent Sky Sports discussion, Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain turned outspoken pundit, dropped a bombshell that left the panel stunned: Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is among the top three midfielders in the Premier League. Known for his no-nonsense approach and high standards, Keane’s passionate defense of the 24-year-old Italian sparked a lively debate, with even Daniel Sturridge, initially skeptical, nodding in agreement by the end.
The conversation began with the panel dissecting the Premier League’s midfield talent pool, a topic that often centers on established stars like Arsenal’s Declan Rice or Manchester City’s Rodri. Keane, however, shifted the spotlight to Tonali, whose journey at Newcastle has been anything but straightforward. After joining from AC Milan in 2023 for a reported £55 million, Tonali faced a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations. Yet, since his return, he has flourished under Eddie Howe, particularly after being repositioned as a No. 6, a deeper-lying midfield role that showcases his tenacity and vision.
“He’s got everything,” Keane declared, his voice cutting through the studio. “Tonali’s passing is crisp, he’s got that bite in the tackle, and he’s got the brains to read the game. You’re telling me he’s not up there with Rodri or Rice? I’m not having it.” The panel, including host Kelly Cates and fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp, fell silent, visibly taken aback by Keane’s conviction. Redknapp, typically quick with a counterpoint, hesitated, prompting Keane to double down. “Watch him against United—4-1, he was everywhere. That volley? Pure class. He’s running games now.”
Sturridge, the former Liverpool striker, initially pushed back, citing Tonali’s limited sample size post-ban and the consistency of players like Rodri. “He’s quality, Roy, but top three? That’s a big shout,” Sturridge said, raising an eyebrow. Keane, undeterred, leaned forward, recounting Tonali’s standout performances, including his midfield partnership with Bruno Guimarães, which ESPN recently hailed as one of Europe’s best. “The lad’s 24, he’s had to adapt to a new country, a new league, and he’s still bossing it. What more do you want?” Keane challenged.
As clips of Tonali’s ferocious volley against Manchester United and his precise passing played on the screen, Sturridge’s skepticism began to waver. “Alright, Roy, I see it,” he conceded, a grin spreading across his face. “The way he’s controlling games now, yeah, he’s special. Maybe not top three yet, but he’s close.” Keane, ever the perfectionist, shot back, “Close? He’s there. You’ll see.”
The exchange underscored Keane’s ability to command a room and his knack for spotting talent others might overlook. Tonali’s rise, as noted by The Guardian, has been remarkable, with his versatility and work rate earning comparisons to Keane himself in his prime. As the debate wrapped, Cates quipped, “Roy, you’ve got us all rethinking our lists now.” Keane’s response? A trademark shrug. For him, Tonali’s brilliance is simply undeniable.
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