Eddie Howe masterclass after what’s come out about Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United

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Eddie Howe made a major change to Newcastle United’s playing style this season.

It is a change that has been for the better, with Newcastle United surging up the Premier League table almost immediately after Eddie Howe altered his approach.

Two of his most gifted players swapped positions. Sandro Tonali took Bruno Guimaraes’ role, becoming the deepest midfielder in black and white. In turn, that allowed the Brazilian to operate as an eight and play higher up the pitch.

Eddie Howe delayed changing Tonali’s position. He wanted to wait until the £55million man was physically ready. The Newcastle United manager got the timing just right, as Tonali has revolutionised the way that the Magpies play.

Newcastle change has enhanced Bruno Guimaraes’ game

But the change has also had a positive impact on Bruno.

The 27-year-old has the freedom to influence the game in the final third, and has been doing just that. So far this season, Bruno has two goals and eight assists. The majority of those goal involvements came after he changed position.

The stats justify Howe’s decision to play Bruno in a more advanced position, especially when you compare him to every other player in Europe.

Across Europe’s top five divisions this season, no player has completed more accurate through balls than Bruno. The Newcastle United talisman has got 10, one more than Barcelona’s Pedri, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul.

Bruno is now getting in positions to influence the game, as his teammates benefit from his exceptional vision.

Bruno Guimaraes wanted to change his position at Newcastle

For the majority of his Newcastle United career, Bruno has played in the number six position.

He has played very well there, but there was always a feeling that the Brazil international could do more.

During the 2023/24 season, it was reported that Bruno wants to play higher up the pitch. However, that did not happen due to Newcastle not having an alternative number six.

But now Newcastle do have that. In fact, they have a player who is even better suited to the role. Tonali is perfect in that position, with his running power and intelligence in possession transforming the way that the Magpies play.

Eddie Howe’s tactical tweak has proven to be a stroke of genius.