WILL HE STEER THE TOON TO THAT ELUSIVE TROPHY?
BRUNO GUIMARAES NEWCASTLE
“I feel like the mayor of Newcastle,” Bruno Guimaraes told FFT early this season, mere months after joining the Magpies – then relegation threatened – from Lyon. Other Premier League clubs had made enquiries, but Newcastle secured his services for £40m on deadline day in what represented quite a coup. Having inspired Eddie Howe’s side to a mid-table finish by the end of 2021-22, the midfielder couldn’t nip out for a steak bake without being mobbed by adoring fans.
His stature has only grown this season, during which Newcastle have been a fixture in the Premier League top four – something Guimaraes attributes to his manager’s ability to “turn water into wine”. While it’s true that Howe has performed miracles with some of his squad, Guimaraes arrived in the North East already a full-bodied and delectable proposition – instantly ready to serve.
The 25-year-old, who made only a couple of substitute appearances at the 2022 World Cup, has become central to Howe’s 4-3-3 setup, providing composure and intelligence at the base of midfield between runners Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
Weaned on futsal as a youngster, the deep-lying playmaker boasts the quick feet to dribble through a high press and the speed of thought to find team-mates in space.
“I think he’s a unique player – you’re not going to find too many players like him,” gushed Howe of the Brazilian in March. “The way he receives the ball, his technical delivery under pressure, his eye for a creative pass. He’s top class.”
As the Newcastle revolution continues, it’s likely Guimaraes will find himself conducting an altogether more impressive orchestra in seasons to come; the outer limits of his skill set brought to life by better team-mates. But as things continue to grow at St James’ Park, one thing is for certain: Bruno will remain the nucleus around which the team is built.
THEY SAID “We’ve got Bruno in the middle…” - so begins a famous Magpies chant, ever since Guimaraes’ arrival in the North East. The phrase has become so popular it can be seen adorning murals, mugs, T-shirts, dish cloths and restaurant walls across Tyneside.
THINGS WILL CONTINUE TO GROW On TYNESIDE, BUT GUIMARAES WILL REMAIN THEIR NUCLEUS