'It's not just the hair' - Howe on Tonali-Pirlo comparisons

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has spoken about the comparisons between Sandro Tonali and legendary Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Since breaking into the Brescia first team in 2017, Tonali has been compared with Pirlo, who started his career at the same club 20 years earlier.

"When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt - and it's not just the hair. There's more to it than that," Howe said.

"He's definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it's his athleticism as well, his ability to run.

"We've seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he's sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He's been excellent in that respect and think that's really helped the team.

"Yes, there are the obvious ones [comparisons] in terms of his technique and his passing and everything else, but I think that's the thing that sets him apart."

Listen to Howe talking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck on BBC Sounds