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Sandro Tonali has shown what he can do for Newcastle – the class and vision are glaring – but this summer has also shown what he needs to do.

Eddie Howe’s midfielders run in all directions, and they run hard. They track runners and, at the other end, give their opponents a runner to track.

On his debut, against an average Rangers side last month, the £52million arrival from Milan was the best player on the park. 

When the team flew to the United States from Glasgow the following morning, staff were eulogising over his qualities – he saw things a second quicker than everyone else and his precision was close to perfect.

But then, against Premier League opposition in the States and with players such as Aston Villa’s John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia biting at his heels, those skills were muzzled. 

Sandro Tonali joined Newcastle for a fee of £52million from Serie A side AC Milan this summer

History shows that Italians don’t fare well in the Premier League, so he’ll need time to adapt

Newcastle celebrated a 2-1 victory over Scottish team Rangers, as well as beating Fiorentina 2-0 in a later pre-season friendly thanks to goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak

This was a different game now. Backroom staff in the US noted how Tonali would need time to make the transition from Serie A. One week on from the excitement of Ibrox, there was now caution.

On Saturday, against Fiorentina – a team he knows well – Tonali looked more like the version he presented at Rangers. The problem is, Newcastle don’t play teams from Italy and Scotland every week.

It was, then, telling when Howe later said: ‘Out of possession, it was a step up on his recent performances, which was good to see.’

The longer Tonali is exposed to Howe, the better it will make him. That improvement, coupled with acclimatisation, should see a top player emerge, the one who those behind the scenes are convinced was the best of their midfield targets this close-season.

There is risk, though. History tells us that Italians have not fared well in the Premier League. And, on the evidence of recent weeks, Tonali has work to do, a fact acknowledged by Howe.

‘We are working on every aspect of his game,’ he said. ‘For Sandro, the Premier League is different.

‘He would have found that in the few games he played in America, where there was a step up – just the speed, sharpness, where opponents place themselves. 

Tonali struggled to show his impressive skills against Premier League opposition Aston Villa in the States, with players such as John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia biting at his heels

‘We are working on every aspect of his game,’ Howe said. ‘The Premier League is different’

The Newcastle boss added, ‘we have to be solid defensively if we are to have success.

‌’He’s a combiner, he’s going to need relationships to show his best qualities. In time, those will grow and we will see the player I know he is going to be. 

‘He was very good (against Fiorentina). I was pleased with Sandro, he played as an 8 and a 6 and was composed in possession.

With Tonali, composed in possession is a given. Dogged and diligent when out of it is the challenge.

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for all the latest transfer news from Thursday, as Man United emerge as contenders to sign Sadio Mane. 

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the Scottish Premiership clash between Rangers and Celtic. 

Aaron Rodgers looks like he is already loving life in New York as he attended the Rangers playoff game against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

And if he was in any doubt about just how much his move has enraptured the city, he now knows exactly how hyped Jets fans are now after receiving a massive cheer when his face appeared on the screen at MSG.

Rodgers, a four-time MVP, looked humbled by the reception before appearing to mouth ‘Let’s Go’ at the camera. 

The Rangers even shared the clip themselves on Twitter, saying: ‘GREAT CHOICE, AARON. Welcome to the best city in the world.’ 

The new Jets quarterback watched the playoff game alongside new teammate Breece Hall and Allen Lazard, who like Rodgers has joined the Jets from the Green Bay Packers.

Aaron Rodgers looked humbled by his Madison Square Garden welcome on Saturday night

Rodgers was at the game Connor McGovern (left), Breece Hall (second left), Tim Boyle (second right) and Allen Lazard (right) on Saturday night 

Connor McGovern and Tim Boyle were also in attendance with the trio – Lazard, Hall and McGovern were even pictured in Rangers jerseys.

The Jets shared a picture of the group, captioned: ‘Boys night out.’ 

Rodgers appeared to be a good luck charm for his new local hockey team, as well. The Rangers won 5-2 on Saturday night and take the series with the Devils down to Game 7. 

And Lazard later shared a clip on his Instagram story celebrating a goal with Rodgers, with the two of them singing along to the Rangers goal song. 

It comes as Rodgers’ new coach at the Jets, Robert Saleh, hailed his short-term impact on the team.

‘It’s been a fun week, a fun week,’ he said, according to ESPN. ‘To get Aaron here, it’s a blessing. We got a lot better this week – a lot better this week.

‘We’re a really, really young team, especially on offense, and just to watch him and Nathaniel (Hackett) and the way they communicate together, he’s already made his presence felt with regards to meetings and input, just discussions on all of the different things we’re trying to get accomplished on offense.

‘He’s a tremendous human, first and foremost, Aaron is. Just listening to him, there are little, subtle things I’m not going to get into, but he definitely cares about people and you can tell in the way he speaks to people. So we’re really fortunate that he’s here.’ 

Rodgers was at MSG to watch the New York Rangers compete in the NHL playoffs

Rodgers looked to be a good luck omen for the Rangers, as they ran out 5-2 winners 

The Rangers are back in action on Monday after their impressive win against the Devils 

The 39-year-old Rodgers said at his unveiling on Wednesday that he wanted Super Bowl glory with the Jets – the team have not got their hands on the Vince Lombardi trophy since 1969. 

‘I’m an old guy. So I want to be part of a team that can win it all. I believe this is a place we can get it done,’ Rodgers said of the Jets’ Super Bowl chances.

‘I noticed, walking in this morning that Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely. I really believe this is where I’m meant to be.

‘This is a surreal day for me. After spending 18 years in the same city…I’m here because I believe in this team and I believe in coach Saleh. I think the excitement of a new chapter has been fueling my offseason workout.’

And after such a big welcome at MSG, Rodgers must only feel more confident he has made the correct decision.