Reporter claims Howe wants to play Bruno higher up the pitch for Newcastle

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Eddie Howe has been playing Bruno Guimaraes in the ‘number six’ role for Newcastle this season, but wants to change that soon.

With Jonjo Shelvey out injured, the Toon boss has been forced to play the Brazilian in the centre of his midfield trio. It is a role he can do well, but he is much more influential higher up the pitch.

While Bruno reads the game well and can protect the defence with his ability to win back possession, he is better utilised in a more advanced role. With the Magpies coming up against stubborn defences, we have lacked someone who can provide that killer pass. Bruno can do that, but hasn’t been in the right position.

Ahead of the Fulham game, we speculated that Sean Longstaff should play in the ‘six’ to allow Bruno to push forward. And while the local lad did start, a positional change did not occur.

That surprised us, and it also surprised Athletic reporter Chris Waugh.

Where Howe wants to play Bruno

On the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, Waugh admitted that he thought Longstaff would play as a ‘six’ against Fulham given what he knows about Howe’s desire to get Bruno ‘higher up the pitch’.

“I was surprised actually because when the team came out I assumed he [Sean Longstaff] was going to be in the number six position,” Waugh said.

“I know Howe wants to get Bruno Guimaraes higher up the pitch. He wants to get him in that number eight role.”

Shelvey return should help Howe

Given the fact Howe continued to play Bruno as a ‘six’ on Saturday despite the presence of Longstaff on the pitch, it seems like the Newcastle boss is waiting for Shelvey to return before making a change.

Luckily, that comeback isn’t too far away. It was recently claimed that the 30-year-old will be fit to return this month, which is way ahead of schedule. It was initially feared that he might not play until after the World Cup.

With Shelvey soon returning, that should allow Howe to push Bruno further up the pitch. That’s what he wants to do, and it is also what Bruno would prefer.

In a recent interview, he admitted that he prefers to play in a more attacking role. While he might have to wait a little longer, that could soon become a reality for Bruno once again.