Former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique has hailed Bruno Guimaraes as one of the best players in the Premier League. A brace in last weekend’s 5-1 win against Brentford has national media - not just Toon supporters - purring over the Brazilian.
The Magpies staved off interest from Arsenal to sign Guimaraes in January and he has quickly become a firm fans’ favourite at St James’ Park. Green and yellow Brazilian flags are the norm around Tyneside in honour of the 24-year-old and his compatriot, Joelinton.
Stumping up £35million to sign Guimaraes now appears a pittance given how well he has adapted to life in England. Seven goals in 22 appearances is a remarkable return for a midfielder who had no goalscoring credentials when he arrived.
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After the Brentford victory, the midfielder received unanimous praise from media sections - and was given his own Monday Night Football love-in by Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane. Now, ex-Magpies left-back Enrique has given his take on the latest Newcastle cult hero, believing Guimaraes deserves to be up there among the Premier League’s best.
“Bruno is one of the best players in the league, 100%,” he told Midnite. “I love him because he has all the ability but then he puts everything into it.
“You see lots of players with talent, but because they have that talent sometimes they don’t need to put everything in the game because they say I will make the difference when I have the ball. But, defensively as well, he works so hard.”
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