Bruno Guimaraes is a strong contender for Newcastle United’s 2023-24 Player of the Season award.
National media circles, laden by Tyneside venom over the years, have been determined to bring Bruno Guimaraes down, despite being guilty of tying him to movements elsewhere. Recent heroics have shattered the false assumption that midfielders cannot become exceptional players.
Guimaraes has frequently worn the Superman cape for Newcastle United, placing his teammates on his back when the chips were down. Notable examples include a sensational brace against Nottingham Forest and a late goal at Fulham.
The Magpies have relied heavily on the Brazilian, who has missed only one game due to suspension during the 2023-24 season. According to data provided in January, Guimaraes has covered 261.1km this season, the fourth-highest total in the Premier League.
Only James Ward-Prowse (224 km), Dejan Kulusevski (222.9 km), and Declan Rice (221.7 km) had covered more ground up to that time. Those stats mocked former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who later stated that the 26-year-old is “not a great athlete” and need “legs” around him to perform.
“That (not being a good athlete) is what will stop him from being one of the best because everything else in his game is superb,” he said on talkSPORT. “(He is) a fantastic passer and technically brilliant, but he is not a terrific athlete. He needs genuine athletes around him to shine.
“They normally have that with Joelinton, Willock, and Longstaff. They surround him with wonderful legs, allowing you to see the finest of him. To be fair, Bruno’s durability in terms of being available at all times is amazing. He always shows up. His athleticism only becomes an issue when he lacks support from others around him.
“He’s still a crucial player for them but, if you’re talking about the best midfielders in the world, that’s what will stop him being classed as one of them.”
Guimaraes shines without Willock or Joelinton. Yes, he possesses Longstaff, but many would say that the Brazilian enhances his appearance rather than the reverse.
Newcastle are currently flying, and their Brazilian superstar is purring, pushing transfer speculation to the back of his mind. The Europa League is within sight before Guimaraes takes on the Copa America, when he will have another chance to demonstrate his world-class quality.
