Sandro Tonali registered another goal contribution as Newcastle United embarrassed Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

The good times keep coming on Tyneside, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have now won six games in a row, including the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Newcastle’s 5-0 win against Crystal Palace may have been the best one of the lot in terms of performance. The Magpies put five past Dean Henderson, including an own goal from Newcastle target Marc Guehi.

Newcastle fans found Guehi’s own goal hilarious when they reacted on social media, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. A lengthy penalty appeal allowed Newcastle to score twice in added time, with one of the goals coming after a sensational ball from Sandro Tonali to Harvey Barnes.

The Italian has been sensational this season, but recent performances have proven just how good he can be.

With Tonali enjoying his football on Tyneside, Newcastle fans have made a big claim about him on social media.

Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty ImagesPhoto by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty ImagesNewcastle United fans make big Sandro Tonali statement

Tonali’s first full season at Newcastle was taken away from him after being handed a 10-month ban for gambling offences. Tonali scored on his Newcastle debut, but ultimately failed to do much else before being prohibited from playing for the club.

This season, Tonali has played in a deeper midfield role for Newcastle, allowing Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes much more freedom to play anywhere on the pitch, knowing the Italian is behind them for support.

After the game, one Newcastle fan made a big claim on X about where Tonali ranks amongst the club’s best midfielders. They said: “Sandro Tonali might be the best midfield player to ever pull on a black and white shirt for NUFC. Sounds mad, but I can’t remember anyone being this good for a long, long time.”

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Fans replied to the post, with most in total agreement.

“I’ve been going since 1977. I’ve never seen anyone like him. Gazza was a kid & better when he left. We never seen him at his best. Someone said the other day Sandro is 24 with the football brain of a 32 year old. Best I’ve seen by a distance.” said one fan, while another added: “I’ve thought it a few weeks, but tonight I said it out loud. There been lots of special players throughout our history but I think he’s the best, most complete player I’ve seen in a black n white shirt.”

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This supporter referred to the days when Kevin Keegan was manager, saying: “Never thought I’d see the entertainers overtook, but I was wrong get in there bonny lads HWTL come on.”

“I can’t think of anyone in my lifetime, that rivals him. Has it all technically, makes the game look incredibly easy and has the sort of attitude you want from a player in his position. He’s absolutely relentless.” said this Newcastle fan in agreement.

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Another fan added: “He is easily the best in his position in the league at this moment in time. Great player. It helps when you have two other warriors next to you. Fair play.”

Finally, this fan said: “I know it might be recency bias, but I was just thinking that last game, we robbed Milan getting him for 52m. Imagine if we had him all last season, those CL games were so close and we could have easily won most of them if we had him.”

Sandro Tonali’s exceptional season with Newcastle United

Although the beginning of the season was not the best for Newcastle, Tonali has come leaps and bounds in recent months, giving the club a brand new lease of on the pitch.

Jason Tindall was shocked by Tonali’s progress, admitting you do not realise how good he is until you see him in person.

Newcastle fans got a glimpse of what he was capable of in the few games he played last season, but it feels like he has added a lot more to his locker upon his return.

Tonali is getting among the goals as well as creating them. The Italian scored a memorable strike in Newcastle’s 2-1 win against Brentford earlier in April and added to his tally against Manchester United last Sunday.

With Champions League qualification looking likely, fans cannot wait to see him work his magic in Europe.