Bruno Guimaraes knows he’s not playing in his best position for Newcastle

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It’s amazing to think Newcastle United might not have seen the very best of Bruno Guimaraes this season.

The Brazilian continues to dazzle for Eddie Howe’s side and has received plenty of plaudits in his first full year as a Newcastle player.

One of, if not the, key players in Howe’s squad, the 25-year-old continues to prove worth every single penny of the £40m spent on him in January 2022.

Still, and while not to level anything approaching criticism at the player, Guimaraes could even have been playing with the shackles on.

Having arrived as a box-to-box player halfway through last season, a lack of options in the squad have seen the Selecao star operate in a deeper role this around.

Newcastle and Bruno Guimaraes both agree on his best position

That, however, does not seem to be his optimum position.

Indeed, The Athletic have claimed both figures on the coaching staff and Guimaraes himself view his best role as an energetic No.8 rather than the disciplined No.6 one he’s been fulfilling for much of the campaign.

Upon his arrival at St James’ Park, Jonjo Shelvey sat deep and allow Guimaraes to push on, best typified by his late second goal in a dramatic win over Leicester in April.

Shelvey’s injury and subsequent exit meant the Brazilian had to drop deeper and while there were plans to buy a player capable of doing that in January, a deal could not be done.

Guimaraes has made his wish to play further forward clear

Back in September, Guimaraes made his opinion on the matter clear.

At the time, the Magpies were struggling for goals and, having bagged 5 goals in 11 appearances the season before, and the former Lyon man was eager to help out further forward.

“I prefer to play the No.8. The No.6 I can help the team to move forward with the ball,” he told the Daily Mail.

“I think the gaffer has a choice, I can play every position in midfield. I have played more in a No.8. But it is not a problem for me.”

If Newcastle can unlock Guimaraes next season, things can surely only get even better.