Bruno Guimaraes sends message to Eddie Howe as Newcastle United star eyes first start

Bruno Guimaraes played just under half an hour in Newcastle United’s win at Brentford - but when will the Brazilian make his first start?
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It’s time to talk about Bruno.

Because the 26 minutes Bruno Guimaraes spent on the pitch during Newcastle United’s win at Brentford was hugely encouraging - and a largley exciting.

It’s been a frustrating start to his Magpies career following his £35million move from Ligue 1 side Lyon on the penultimate day of the January transfer window.

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With all the hype that surrounded the 24-year-old’s arrival, not many supporters would have predicted that after four games, Guimaraes would still be awaiting his first start.

That’s through absolutely no fault of his own, it’s a testament that the current midfield three of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey have made themselves undroppable.

Their form restricted Guimaraes to cameo appearances versus Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham but in West London, the midfielder was afforded his longest minutes to date.

Two-nil up and the opposition down to 10 men, Guimaraes was unleashed in place of Jacob Murphy on 64 minutes.

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And it was very apparent how eager the Brazilian was to impress.

Bruno shows what he is capable of

His introduction into the midfield, settling in alongside Willock and Shelvey with Joelinton moved out to right wing, brought instant stability.

Brentford, boosted by a return to football for Christian Eriksen, were beginning to gain a foothold before Guimaraes helped United regain control.

Deployed in a ‘number six’ role, Guimaraes was up and down the midfield, repeatedly demanding the ball that he always looked to pass forward.

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Guimaraes’ precise pass through to Ryan Fraser in the 84th-minute was one to note as he completed 25 of his 29 passes attempted.

He showcased a different range of passing throughout and when in possession, he looked extremely comfortable and had a great demeanor.

In a fascinating stat doing the rounds on social media, only two Brentford players had more touches and passes than Guimaraes despite his later introduction.

Guimaraes was a few metres away from opening his Newcastle account too with a shot that went narrowly past the right-hand post.

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The player said it during his media unveiling, he doesn’t necessarily associate himself with scoring goals but he’ll help United win games in other ways.

All in all, it was a performance that left the travelling Newcastle fans more than impressed as they sang his name during the full-time celebrations.

It’s perhaps easiest to say it when you’re facing 10 men but during the first proper look at the Brazilian, he really did look a class act.

It was an exciting glimpse into the midfielder that had been leading the way in France and even Europe, which attracted genuine interest from the likes of Arsenal and Juventus.

Where will Bruno make his first start?

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Is it enough to earn Guimaraes his first start against Brighton and Hove Albion? Probably not, as Eddie Howe is reluctant to change a winning team.

And certainly, as already mentioned, Guimaraes is fighting for his spot in a highly competitive position at present.

But Bruno’s time will come, most likely during a busy period that begins next week when United play four games in 10 days.

After Brighton’s visit to St James’ Park on Saturday, Newcastle play three consecutive away games - Southampton (Thursday), Chelsea (Sunday) and Everton (Thursday).

Such a brutal schedule will undoubtedly see Howe delve deeper into his squad.

And based on what we saw at Brentford, and even in his smaller cameo appearances, Bruno Guimaraes is ready to action.