The midfield is not working for Newcastle United.
Though there is hope that the trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will soon click into gear, there’s little doubting that particular department has not been at its best just yet.
Clearly, they should be afforded time, just as Eddie Howe deserves.
Elements of Tonali’s performances have been impressive, while the Brazilian duo have already more than proven themselves in a Newcastle shirt.
Still, there’s little doubt that things aren’t going to plan this season.
Indeed, Guimaraes might have expected something different, it seems.
Bruno Guimaraes was “expecting” something different from Sandro Tonali’s signing
The Brazil international was deployed as a No.6 last season and though he proved very impressive, there was an understanding that was not his best position.
Having starred as a box-to-box option during his opening few months at St James’ Park, it would have been logical for Newcastle to bring in a long-term replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, allowing Guimaraes back into that freer role.
Still, Tonali – as good as he is – does not really operate there either, meaning putting the 23-year-old into the team keeps Guimaraes deeper.
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the Brazil star might have had something different in mind.
“I think Guimaraes was expecting Tonali’s arrival to free him up to allow him to get further forward,” he told GIVEMESPORT.
“But, in the first few games of the season, he has been playing in that holding midfield role he finished last season in. You can predict that will change. Tonali could revert to a number six, and that will be his role moving forward.”
A logical assumption from Guimaraes
Tonali has certainly shown enough during his first few games to suggest he’ll be a hit, so his arrival is far from an issue.
Still, the question remains as to whether or not he’s the ideal partner for Guimaraes.
Much like the old Frank Lampard-Steven Gerrard debate, it’s not yet clear that the two can play together, with Guimaraes again playing out of position.
There is certainly time to improve their understanding but questions remain.
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