Tottenham Hotspur supporters appear to be far more patient with Sandro Tonali than some sections of the national media and punditry. However, there is little doubt that the Italian midfielder has yet to reach the outstanding level many expected from him, particularly given the £100 million price tag attached to his arrival.
An adjustment period was always likely, and Tonali has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. He produced an impressive defensive display against Nottingham Forest and was reasonably solid against Everton before an injury ruled him out of Tottenham’s League Cup defeat to Liverpool.
However, while Tonali has gradually started to find his feet, his midfield partner Mateus Fernandes has made a much quicker impression.
With the exception of an underwhelming performance in the No. 10 role against Everton, Fernandes has consistently demonstrated greater creativity and attacking influence than Tonali. The young Portuguese midfielder has already begun to justify his £85 million transfer fee.
Tottenham fans already see Fernandes as essential
There appears to be little concern among Tottenham supporters about whether Fernandes was worth the £85 million spent to sign him from West Ham United. Some rival supporters, including sections of the Manchester United fanbase, questioned the decision and criticised Roberto De Zerbi and Johan Lange for the deal.
Tonali, meanwhile, still has some work to do before everyone at N17 is convinced that he looks like a £100 million midfielder. He has also yet to completely establish himself as the dominant figure in Tottenham’s midfield.
Fernandes, however, has already started to develop that reputation.
Between the two midfielders, Fernandes is increasingly viewed as the more important starter. Spurs supporters already appear to have developed the feeling that the team needs the young Portuguese international in the starting XI to maximise its chances of winning games.
Tonali has not quite reached that level of importance yet. In fact, Rodrigo Bentancur has arguably stood out more in recent matches, providing Tottenham with greater stability and defensive security than the former AC Milan midfielder.
That does not mean Tonali has been a failure, nor does it suggest Tottenham have lost faith in the Italian’s ability to eventually develop into the £100 million-calibre Premier League midfielder they expected.
Instead, it highlights just how quickly Fernandes has adapted. Despite being younger, he has already established himself as a key player for Spurs and someone who could become central to De Zerbi’s plans.
Tottenham will now hope that Fernandes can eventually play consistently in his preferred double-pivot role, where his qualities as a No. 6 and No. 8 hybrid could allow him to have an even greater influence on the team.
Mateus Fernandes exposes Sandro Tonali problem with one impressive trait
