BBC pundit Garth Crooks has named Newcastle pair Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak in his Premier League ‘Team of the Week’.

Crooks reserved special praise for the Italian international on his debut, who played with the right intent in possession of the ball:

“It was the performance of Sandro Tonali that exposed Villa’s high line. Isn’t it wonderful to see a midfielder playing forward and not continuously sideways or backwards and actually playing teammates in?”

Crooks also complimented Isak for his “delightful” second goal, which saw him chip the ball over Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez to make it 3-1 midway through the second half last Saturday.

Newcastle’s two record signings shine

It does demonstrate that the Magpies are on the right track in terms of recruitment, with the two biggest signings since the arrival of PIF being instrumental in the club’s win against Villa.

Isak has impressed since arriving from Real Sociedad last summer but injuries have meant that he hasn’t been able to make the impact he would have liked. The Swede’s brace in the first game of the season suggests he is looking to make up for any lost time.

Some questioned the amount of money spent on Tonali but, if he continues in the same vein as his debut, Newcastle have an outstanding player on their hands.

Who else made Crooks’ eleven?

The pundit went with Fulham’s Bernd Leno in goal, who kept a clean sheet against Everton in a 1-0 win at Goodison Park on the opening day.

A back three of Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Chelsea defender Thiago Silva were selected. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, Wolves’ Mario Lemina and Manchester City’s Rodri were chosen alongside Tonali in midfield.

Up front, Isak was joined by City frontman Erling Haaland and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen.