Patrice Evra believes Bruno Guimaraes will be content with sitting on the bench at the World Cup. So far, the Newcastle United midfielder has not featured in Tite’s starting line-up in Qatar.
Toon supporters have watched their talisman with interest but have been surprised at his lack of game time. But those who have followed Brazil closely in recent years will understand that this is the norm.
Of Guimaraes’ 10 international caps, just two were earned as a starter, with Manchester United duo Fred and Casemiro Tite’s preferred midfield pair. Liverpool enforcer Fabinho is also ahead of the Magpies’ favourite in the pecking order.
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The thought of leaving a fully-fit Guimaraes on the bench has baffled Newcastle fans, who would not dream of replicating that tactic on Tyneside. An impressive first year at St James’ Park has seen the 25-year-old emerge as a standout Premier League performer.
Guimaraes did come off the bench as Brazil lost 1-0 to Cameroon in their final group game. However, the usually-composed midfielder missed a stoppage-time sitter to save his side a draw.
Speaking to the Vibe with Five podcast, former Red Devils defender Evra claimed Guimaraes will be happy to sit on the bench given the talent he is competing with. He said: “To be honest, I think the players to play, in the starting XI, even in the squad are really expensive. It’s really difficult to make it in the squad.
“I think Bruno must already be happy to even be on the bench. It’s difficult to start in that team. Brazil has too much talent. Too many players to play. Even in 1994, wasn’t Ronaldo on the bench? He was a child. Ronaldo was on the bench. Of course, it was Romario, Bebeto, this is Brazil. I am not surprised.”
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