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Tottenham have made a big splash with the signing of Sandro Tonali this summer. His agent has shared his optimism about the new era for club and player. The London side beat competition from other Premier League clubs, and agreed to meet Newcastle United’s asking price. Roberto De Zerbi played a role in the move and Sport Witness covered how Tonali himself credited his compatriot for convincing him. The midfielder also clarified their common roots in Brescia have had a role to play, as he praised De Zerbi’s work-ethic. Tonali is happy his Newcastle United exit was amicable, having seen what happened last summer. “We had a sort of agreement with Newcastle, we spoke every day and we made it. They wanted the best from me, we wanted the best deal for them.” “Why Tottenham? De Zerbi played a huge role in this, and it’s also a lifestyle and family choice after three years at Newcastle. De Zerbi deserves much of the credit. He did it not only as a Brescia native and a friend, but also as a hard worker. He’s committed to this. “We’ll take it step by step. Medicals and signing, and then we’ll go on retreat. The team will be assembled in a month because the World Cup is here. The club is coming off a difficult season, but we’ll try to make sure everything goes well.” His agent Giuseppe Riso has now also spoken about the transfer. Duo can create something special Giuseppe Riso also represents AC Milan talent Francesco Camarda, who signed a new deal with the Rossoneri yesterday. Tuttomercatoweb caught up with the agent and asked him about Tonali’s move to Tottenham. The Italian described his joy, saying: “It’s a great satisfaction, even though we’ve done it before.” He also covered De Zerbi’s role, expressing belief the duo will have fun together at the London club. “He’s happy and has reunited with Roberto (De Zerbi, ed.), who is a great coach. I think together they’ll entertain us.” Our take: Tonali is a tactical fit While the 26-year-old isn’t as expansive on the ball as Mateus Fernandes, he is a good fit for De Zerbi’s system. At Sassuolo, the Italian used a double pivot which had Manuel Locatelli and Maxime Lopez. One of the two would be deeper, more expansive and press resistant. The second would constantly make runs forward, while not having the burden of building from the back. Tonali is ideal for the second role and can also go deeper – as evident from his Newcastle United spell. But he has always shown a very reliable ability to maraud forward into attack for club and country. De Zerbi knows his strengths and will bring the best out of him.