Everyone is talking about Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes following his first start against Southampton.
The 24-year-old finally got his chance in the starting XI, and took it with both hands. He lasted 67 minutes, and gave Toon fans a night to remember.
It was his goal that won the game – and what a goal it was. It’s hard to think of a better way to score your first goal for your new club than a back heel volley.
It was absolutely audacious from Bruno, and created pandemonium in the away end as the travelling Toon Army went mad.
Bruno’s winner was a moment of magic, but he also had an important role to play in Newcastle’s first goal.
Bruno Guimaraes kicked off the move for Newcastle’s equaliser
On first viewing, Newcastle’s equaliser against Southampton was all about the cross from Jonjo Shelvey and the header from Chris Wood. But it wouldn’t have been possible without Bruno.
The move started with Martin Dubravka, who looked to play the ball out from the back. That’s where Bruno entered the conversation, taking the ball on the half turn in his own half.
He then played a fantastic reverse pass to Jacob Murphy under pressure, which allowed the ball to be shifted out wide to the left. From there, it eventually fell to the feet of Shelvey and the rest is history.
All the talk after the goal was about Wood breaking his duck, but Bruno deserves so much credit. His bravery and vision to progress Newcastle up the pitch laid the foundations for the equaliser.
And it was that moment that proved why the Magpies signed the centre-midfielder from Lyon. Newcastle have needed to become better in possession – for too long we’ve had one-dimensional midfielders who can only do a certain job.
But Bruno has a bit of everything. He can help us play through the thirds and become better in transition.
The night will be remembered for his back heel volley, but we saw the first glimpse of what the £42million man will bring to Newcastle long term.
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