‘Always special’: 26-year-old admits he’s spoken to Newcastle star ahead of West Ham clash

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United face a tough game away at West Ham this weekend, but there will be an interesting battle in the middle of the park.

Brazilian stars Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes both played together for Olympique Lyonnais before moving to the Premier League, and both are shining at their respective clubs.

The pair are international teammates, and both midfielders will face each other in what promises to be an exciting encounter, with West Ham’s Paqueta set to test his creative prowess against the defensive solidity of Newcastle’s Bruno.

Paqueta has spoken to Bruno

Speaking to West Ham media ahead of the clash, Paqueta has admitted that he has spoken to Bruno ahead of Sunday’s game, which will see two in-form sides face each other.

“It’s going to be a great game,” the 26-year-old claimed.

“The Newcastle team is a very strong team, no doubt about it.

“Playing against my friend Bruno is always special for me. We’ve talked, we’ve joked but on the pitch I’m defending West Ham, he defends Newcastle and we’re going to do our best for each team.”

Brazilian excellence at Newcastle

The Premier League went through a bit of a rough patch for a few years when it came to Brazilians coming to light up England.

Brazil is one of the greatest footballing nations on Earth, with their players often producing dazzling skills and becoming instant fan favourites at whatever club they grace.

Right now, Newcastle’s Brazilian contingent of Bruno and Joelinton are thriving, and both are becoming popular with the National team.

Bruno and Joelinton may not be your typical silky Brazilian-style midfielder in the mould of Neymar or Ronaldinho, but both possess incredible technique to go with their robust strength, and both have become key players under Eddie Howe.

Paqueta meanwhile, has been shining in an attacking midfield role, and he is a player Newcastle need to be wary of on Sunday. Whilst he and Bruno may be friends off the pitch, it will be a fierce encounter between the pair on it.