ST JAMES’ PARK – So it turns out that the world didn’t collapse when Newcastle United sold Alexander Isak.

They lost goals when they reluctantly invited Liverpool back to the table to do a British record deal for Isak a fortnight ago but not their best player.

That would be Sandro Tonali, who was the architect of this much-needed first Premier League win for the Magpies.

If Isak is worth £125m, Tonali wouldn’t be far off.

In terms of importance to Newcastle, the Italy international was starting to outstrip the striker at the back end of last season and he is now the standard-bearer for Eddie Howe’s “up and at them” style.

If you could create the ideal player to fit Howe’s football philosophy , it wouldn’t be too dissimilar to Tonali’s profile.

Technically gifted, it is his commitme

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