Sir Bobby Robson signing ‘blown away’ by Newcastle United star after training ground visit

Former Newcastle United defender Jonathan Woodgate has been impressed by the impact Bruno Guimaraes has made at his old club.

The Brazil international has become a firm favourite with the St James Park faithful after putting together a string of high-class displays since moving to Tyneside in a £38m deal from Lyon during the January transfer window.  After making his debut as a substitute in a 3-1 home win against Everton, Bruno notched a memorable first goal for the Magpies with a stunning flick in a 2-1 win at Southampton just over a month later.

The midfielder would further enhance his reputation with four more goals as Eddie Howe’s side raced away from the Premier League relegation zone and into the safety of mid-table - with a late header against Leicester City and a late strike against Arsenal being met by jubilant scenes at St James Park.

Following on from his two-goal display in the recent home hammering of Brentford, Bruno’s consistent displays have led to him being nominated alongside the likes of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and Manchester City duo Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland for the Football Supporters Association Men’s Player of the Year award.

The likes of Eddie Howe, Alan Shearer and Gary Neville have all praised the midfielder in recent weeks - and former Magpies defender Woodgate has added his own name to his a growing list of admirers.

“He’s a really good player, technically fantastic,” he told Radio 5Live.

“He is comfortable on the ball, he can see a pass and he’s been getting goals recently for Newcastle.  When I watched them train he was the standout, he always wanted to get on the ball and express himself.

“But also off the ball, he works so hard for his team.  Not in just a stupid way, running about and kicking people, but how he presses, his timing of the press.”

Bruno seems certain to secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup Finals squad and Magpies supporters will keep a keen eye on his progress when the tournament gets underway next month.