Shay Given says 26-year-old Newcastle player was a ‘real leader’ against Fulham yesterday

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Shay Given was very impressed with one Newcastle United player in their 3-0 win over Fulham yesterday.

Newcastle had struggled to break Fulham down before Bruno Guimaraes decided enough was enough and dragged his team to a crucial win in the Premier League.

Given was speaking on Match of the Day and was blown away by how good Bruno was at everything on Saturday, creating chances, finding space and leading his team in a difficult moment.

Given says Bruno was ‘Scholes-like’ against Fulham

Bruno absolutely controlled the midfield against Fulham and it was probably one of his best performances in a black and white shirt since he signed for the club in January 2022.

Everything the Brazilian attempted seemed to come off and he was involved in all three of Newcastle’s goals as they blew Fulham away in the second half.

The 26-year-old’s driving run into the box to set up Lewis Miley for his first ever Newcastle goal was probably the highlight of his game, and the celebration that followed showed how passionate he is for this football club.

Though he’s come under criticism at times early on in the season, Given says that Newcastle’s star man really stepped up against Fulham and led by example after such a disappointing defeat to AC Milan during the week.

On Match of the Day, Given said: “This guy really stepped up today. Yes, he’s done brilliantly for Newcastle since he’s been there but today everything he did, he bossed the midfield.

“He always wanted the ball, spraying it out wide and at times it was Scholes-like the way he was pinging it out wide to different people.

“He was involved in everything good. When you want someone to step up in a game like this, he’s been a real leader for Eddie Howe. He sets the standards.”

Newcastle’s season rests on Bruno’s performances

Now that they are officially out of Europe altogether, Newcastle will want to focus on their domestic competitions and getting back into the Champions League for a second successive season.

To do that, Newcastle must climb their way up the table as they currently sit in sixth place, five points off of Manchester City in fourth.

They also have a Carabao Cup quarter final against Chelsea on the horizon as well as a derby in the FA Cup in January, so there is lots to look forward to for Newcastle fans.

If they hope to be successful in all of their domestic endeavours then Bruno is going to have to be at the top of his game like he was against Fulham and help to drag this stretched Newcastle squad to some key victories.