I think Bruno Guimaraes should be very worried after Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace

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Bruno Guimaraes is suddenly in a difficult position after Newcastle United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

The 27-year-old was a doubt going into the game at Selhurst Park, with Eddie Howe admitting that Bruno Guimaraes only had a chance of playing against Crystal Palace after picking up a glute injury during the defeat to West Ham.

It turned out Newcastle United fans had nothing to worry about, as Bruno Guimaraes was fit enough to start in South London. In fact, he was fit enough to play the full 90 minutes, as Newcastle drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace.

It was an extremely disappointing end to a rather dull game of football for Eddie Howe’s side, but the one big positive for Newcastle United could end up being a negative for Bruno.

Eddie Howe changed Bruno Guimaraes’ position vs Crystal Palace

Bruno was fit enough to start against Crystal Palace, but had a different role to usual.

He was deployed as one of the Magpies’ number eights, as Sandro Tonali returned to the starting XI.

The 24-year-old played as the number six, sitting in the middle of Newcastle’s midfield three, just like he did in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea. That was Tonali’s best ever Newcastle performance, and he has once again proven that the six role could be his best position.

On what was a difficult afternoon for the Magpies, Tonali was the major positive. He was probably Newcastle’s best player, and has even hinted that he is a better option to play as the deepest midfielder ahead of Bruno.

Tonali did the simple things well, effortlessly keeping the ball as he tried to bring some urgency to the Magpies’ passing.

Off the ball, he was outstanding. Tonali’s running power allowed him to stop so many Crystal Palace attacks, while he even played a part in Newcastle’s goal. His clever pass resulted in Marc Guehi scoring an own goal, which sadly did not end up handing Eddie Howe’s side all three points.

What Sandro Tonali’s performance means for Bruno

It is becoming more and more apparent that Tonali should be Newcastle’s number six. But what does that mean for Bruno?

He is Newcastle’s captain, and is going to start every game. But he needs to prove he can be decisive as a number eight, which means getting into more dangerous positions and providing goals and assists.

Newcastle are struggling to create chances at the minute, especially from central areas. Bruno must take that burden upon himself, especially if Tonali is going to take his position in the side.

Howe’s big issue has been getting the best out of Tonali and Bruno, with the former normally resigned to the bench. It has been a case of one or the other, but now Tonali has shown that he absolutely has to start.

Now it is up to Bruno to prove that they can play together, rather than the other way around.