Eddie Howe is suddenly blessed with options, as his Newcastle United midfield clicks into gear.
The Magpies had been struggling in the middle of the park at the start of the season. There was a lack of balance, with Eddie Howe unable to find the right combination.
But that has now changed, with Howe finding Newcastle’s best midfield three. It is a tried and tested trio, with Bruno Guimaraes joined by Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
That has allowed Joelinton to operate out wide, while Sandro Tonali finds himself on the Newcastle United bench. He has not started the Magpies’ previous two games, despite Tonali having his best Newcastle game ever against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
On that night, Tonali played as a ‘six’. He sat in front of the defence and did a brilliant job, suggesting he should play there instead of Bruno Guimaraes. In turn, that would allow Bruno to play higher up the pitch as an ‘eight’.
Bruno Guimaraes makes midfield admission
And now Bruno has sent a message to Eddie Howe about where he would like to play, having spoken to Brazilian outlet Globo whilst he is away on international duty.
Bruno addressed where he is playing for Brazil, and has admitted he is comfortable anywhere in midfield.
“At Newcastle, I’ve been playing first, as a defensive midfielder for three years now and I’m fully adapted,” he said.
“I always do it at the club and it’s easier for me.
“Obviously, I can play as a number eight. I’ve played as a number 10 at Athletico and I feel good in any position in the middle.
“I feel comfortable as a number five, which is the role I’ve been playing here with the national team. I feel comfortable, I’ve been enjoying myself in the last few games, my level has improved a lot.”
No room for Sandro Tonali in the Newcastle starting XI
Bruno can play as a ‘six’ or an ‘eight’, and the same goes for Tonali. However, while one consistently starts, the other is on the bench.
Tonali has lost his place in the Newcastle side, which seems extremely harsh. But the Magpies have found a way to win without him, and it is up to Tonali to prove they can succeed with him.
While he proved he can operate as a ‘six’, it would come as a surprise if Howe consistently started playing him there. That would limit Tonali’s ability to use his athleticism, which has been a major reason for his success in an Italy shirt.
Howe is blessed with multiple midfield options, boasting a plethora of quality players who can operate in different roles. Sadly for Tonali, his role right now is super sub rather than regular starter.
That looks likely to continue, despite Bruno insisting he can play anywhere in midfield. For now, Howe will stick with him in the ‘six’.
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