Disagree with your logic. Tonali and Meite are 2 different players. Tonali is more direct replacement for Bennacer. Tonali will still play. Instead of playing with Kessie, he will play with Meite. Thats all
you are a 100% correct
Tonali is a different mid from every one else ... Bennacer included.
style wise he is not even a match for this team... he is a possession based football type of midfielder/playmaker that needs time on the ball...
i used to compare him to Bennacer myself (back when the Kojack guy was on this comparison case everyday). or when people where saying Tonali will replace Kessie when we signed him. and i used to say he is most likely to deputize for Bennacer than Kessie.
... now that he is here and they are playing in the same concept (style) i realize that they're very different ... meaning in this style if you have a Bennacer and looking for a backup, Tonali is NOT the best pick (in this style we're playing, 2 man midfield)... in that case having a press resistant who moves the ball quick DM is a more important characteristic.
the hope is that he develop into that. but we are not there yet... so atm, a Meite who seems to be great at evading pressure, strong physically is a better alternative ... regardless of other great qualities Tonali has.