Bruno Guimaraes has created an almost telepathic relationship with Lucas Paqueta in the last couple of years and they extended their terrific record together in Brazil’s win against Bolivia. The pair combined for two of their nation’s four goals as the five-time World Cup winners confirmed their place at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying group.
The Newcastle United midfielder played provider for the first goal as he danced through a collection of Bolivia players before sliding a pass through the legs of the last defender and perfectly into Paqueta’s path. In the second half, roles were reversed as Guimaraes’ former Lyon team mate aimed a lofted pass towards him which he emphatically dispatched into the top corner on the volley.
After the match, Guimaraes took to Twitter and responded to a video of his assist for Paqueta by tagging the Lyon midfielder with a caption that translated into: “The bow and arrow! It’s always been like this, I love you brother @LucasPaqueta97.”
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The relationship of the two Brazilians was built up during the time they spent together at Lyon between the summer of 2020 and when Guimaraes left to join Newcastle. Plenty of Magpies supporters are hoping to see Paqueta eventually join his close friend on Tyneside to show the Premier League what they’re both about.
If that transfer was to be agreed, it would bring the mouth-watering prospect of a fully Brazilian midfield at St James’ Park with Joelinton completing the prospective Samba trio. Such is the strength of the relationship between Guimaraes and Paqueta, the latter was in attendance for Newcastle’s 2-1 victory against Southampton earlier this month.
The Lyon star was clearly the good luck charm at St Mary’s as his international team mate was handed his full Premier League debut and opened his United account with a fantastic mid-air backheel finish. The Toon Army will now be hoping that Paqueta’s next visit to the UK brings him to Tyneside where he will get a taste of the cauldron of noise and adoration that is St James’ Park.
