Nick Pope now names the one player who makes Newcastle tick

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It would be fair to say Newcastle United have not been at their best this season.

While that is partly because of the fact Eddie Howe’s side set such high standards last time out, things have not really clicked since the rout of Aston Villa on the opening Premier League weekend.

Still, Tuesday night’s Champions League draw with AC Milan has to be seen as a positive.

Though it was hardly a vintage night going forward, Newcastle have a point on the board away from home in the dreaded ‘Group of Death’ alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

Nick Pope has been praised for his performance but the England goalkeeper had special words for one of his teammates.

Nick Pope full of praise for Bruno Guimaraes after AC Milan draw

Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes drew special mention from the England goalkeeper.

The Brazilian international hailed Pope on Instagram after the game and, speaking to TNT Sports, the ‘keeper returned the favour.

“Massive, you know,” he told TNT Sports Brazil.

“He’s the brain, he’s the heart, he’s a little bit of everything. He’s a top player. Pleased to have him on our side and he’s someone who dictates the play for us, sets the tempo. He’s a top player. On and off the ball he really makes Newcastle tick.”

How well did Guimaraes play against Milan?

It’d be fair to say the Brazil star hasn’t truly clicked alongside Sandro Tonali this season.

Still, while we’re not seeing the lung-busting box-to-box excellence Guimaraes dazzled with during his first few months as a Newcastle player, that’s not really the 25-year-old’s role any more as a No.6.

As per Sofascore data, he won five of his nine ground duels – not easy in central midfield – while WhoScored note he completed 92.3% of his 39 passes. A disciplined performance, if not a particularly eye-catching one.