Bruno Guimaraes would ‘prefer’ a more attacking role in Newcastle midfield

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There has been a lot of discussion around Bruno Guimaraes’ best position for Newcastle after the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old returned to the starting XI on Saturday, having missed the previous three games due to injury. But Bruno was back against Bournemouth, and showed glimpses of his obscene talent.

However, it was very clear that he wasn’t fully fit. That’s why he was withdrawn midway through the second half and replaced by Sean Longstaff.

But Bruno and Newcastle’s performance raised questions from Toon fans. Is he better in the ‘number six’ role just in front of the defence? Or will the team benefit more if he plays higher up the pitch as a ‘number eight’?

We think it’s the latter, and now Bruno has commented on the situation.

Bruno Guimaraes on his best position

The Brazilian midfielder has spoke to the Daily Mail, and discussed his preferred midfield role.

“I can play both positions,” he said.

“I prefer to play the ‘number eight’. The ‘number six’ I can help the team to move forward with the ball.

“I think the gaffer has a choice, I can play every position in midfield. I have played more in a ‘number eight’. But it is not a problem for me.”

Bruno comments could be bad news for Joe Willock

We’ve only seen Bruno play at the base of midfield during Jonjo Shelvey’s absence. However, it’s clear that we are missing the Brazil international’s influence higher up the pitch.

He is capable of providing that moment of magic with a killer pass, which we’ve needed against teams who have played against us with a low block.

It is unclear when Shelvey will return, meaning Bruno’s role in the ‘six’ could be set to continue after the international break. Or perhaps Howe should consider a change.

During Bruno’s absence with injury, Longstaff played in the middle of midfield. After a difficult start against Wolves, he eventually settled into the role.

That gives Howe another option. He could play Longstaff in the ‘six’ and put Bruno back in the ‘eight’. That could allow Newcastle to flourish more in attack, but it could be bad news for Joe Willock.

If Howe does decide to do that, it’s the £25million man who would surely miss out. Joelinton is undroppable, while Willock has been poor in recent weeks.

With Newcastle struggling for goals and Allan Saint-Maximin still injured, Howe needs to get the most out of every attacking option he has. That means Bruno needs to be higher up the pitch, starting away at Fulham on October 1st.

In turn, that could lead to Longstaff replacing Willock in the starting XI.