It’s somewhat unfathomable that Newcastle have been able to sign a player like Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian moved to St James’ Park in January, leaving Lyon for a fee that could rise to £42million.
It was a blockbuster signing – Newcastle’s biggest of the winter window. Yes, even bigger than Kieran Trippier.
Of course, Trippier is a wonderful signing and a real statement of intent. But he’s in his 30s and was keen to return to England. But Bruno is only 24 and a Brazil international. To leave Lyon for a team threatened by relegation shows the immense pulling power Newcastle suddenly have.
Eddie Howe has taken his time with the midfielder, but he finally started a game at St James’ Park on Friday night.
It wasn’t a classic underneath the lights, but all everyone could talk about after the full time whistle was Bruno Guimaraes.
He was absolutely outstanding. Everything he did was dripping with class, and he was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch.
The Toon Army has a new midfield hero, and finally a replacement for someone who left more than eight years ago.
Bruno Guimaraes is Yohan Cabaye 2.0
In January 2014, Newcastle United sold their best player. Yohan Cabaye left the club, joining Paris Saint-Germain for £19million. That’s despite calls from fans of ‘don’t sell Cabaye, Yohan Cabaye…’.
Mike Ashley did sell Cabaye, and never replaced him.
The French midfielder was a dreamboat for Toon fans. He could dictate a game with his glorious passing range, whilst he also provided bite alongside Cheick Tiote.
His vision was unparalleled, and his set piece ability…simply stunning.
Newcastle have had good midfielders since Cabaye left, but no one quite on his level. Until now.
The Magpies finally have a complete midfielder once again. Bruno is good in and out of possession. He dominates midfield with his strength, while his ability to read the game allows him to snap into tackles without danger.
Constantly moving the ball and trying to progress the game higher up the pitch, Bruno is the player Newcastle have needed for years. Long and short, he appears to have every kind of pass in his locker.
He has all the attributes that Cabaye possessed – bar the set piece expertise. Luckily we have Trippier for that.
But Bruno is arguably an even better player than Cabaye, and his Toon legacy can be even greater.
Friday was only his first start at St James’ Park, but Bruno proved that he is the present and the future of Newcastle United.
After eight years, the Magpies have finally replaced Yohan Cabaye.