Shearer backs Bruno to have key role
ALAN Shearer believes Bruno Guimaraes can be a key figure for Newcastle in their quest for success.
Since the £300million Saudibacked takeover was completed in October, the prospect of the club becoming the next Manchester City has fan excitement at fever pitch. Coowner Amanda Staveley declared the ambition is to win the league – a feat the Magpies have not achieved since 1927 – in five to 10 years.
It is likely the squad will have be totally overhauled if they are to realise that goal. England star and former Atletico Madrid defender Kieran
Trippier has undoubted talent but, at 31 years old, there is a chance he’ll have hung up his boots by then.
Allan Saint-maximin is yet to prove he can perform consistently and force his way into that ‘elite’ bracket. January arrival Guimaraes, however, is already ticking all the right boxes.
The Brazil international has been eased into life on Tyneside by Eddie Howe but fans are now seeing the extent of his quality. A world-class finish to secure three points against Southampton introduced the former Lyon man to the Premier League and he has followed up with further classy performances. Shearer has backed Guimaraes to be at Newcastle when the club are challenging for trophies.
“I have been really impressed with him,” he told NUFC TV. “I think he can play a leading role in where Newcastle go over the next few years.
“He couldn’t get in the team to begin with because of the form other players were in but he’ll be a regular for years to come if he wants to stay here and play a part, which I’m sure he does. I like everything I see about him, I like his aggression, I like his passing ability. And he seems to enjoy this environment.”