Bruno Guimaraes only needed eight minutes to make an impact for Brazil in their 4-0 demolition of Chile. Eddie Howe has gradually blooded Newcastle United’s new £40million man into the Premier League and Toon fans are finally starting to bear fruits from his cautious approach.
A superb backheel winner against Southampton was followed by slick displays against Chelsea and Everton. Guimaraes embodies a new breed of deep-lying midfielder who uses finesse over physicality and, from what he has shown so far, will add valuable quality to the Magpies midfield in the coming years.
Brazilians witnessed his excellence first-hand last week when he came off the bench to replace Manchester United’s Fred in the dying embers of the game. Guimaraes’ intuitive through ball in stoppage time allowed Richarlison to complete the rout, but it was not just the assist that proved his effectiveness.
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The 24-year-old made 11 passes with an 85% completion rate during his eight-minute cameo, while also completing the only dribble he attempted. His tackling, too, was impressive, with Guimaraes winning two out of two ground duels in midfield. This was only his fifth Brazil appearance but the former Lyon man is already showcasing extreme competence at international level.
Out of the five January arrivals, Guimaraes was earmarked as one for the future but his quality makes him hard to ignore for the here and now. A full preseason in the summer and additional signings alongside him could see Newcastle unearth a real gem of a midfielder.
Bruno Guimaraes’ v Chile
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18 touches
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1 assist
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11 passes
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85% pass accuracy
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1 chance created
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1/2 successful Dribbles
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2/2 ground duels won
- 1 foul drawn
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