West Ham coach names the Newcastle United star that has impressed him most this season

Former Newcastle United midfielder Kevin Nolan has named Bruno Guimaraes as one of two Premier League midfielders who have impressed him the most this season.

Nolan, now a coach at West Ham United, watched the Brazilian first-hand before the international break as the two clubs played out a 2-2 draw at the London Stadium.

The 41-year-old believes Guimaraes should have been sent off after avoiding a second yellow card moments after his first but nevertheless heaped praise on the Magpies star and James Ward Prowse.

Nolan told talkSPORT: “I was really impressed with Bruno Guimaraes last week. I thought he was excellent against us. He should have been sent off, I thought the referee was really poor but I think he’s been excellent

“James Ward-Prowse has been fantastic... obviously! How many other players are putting stats out there now like he is?”

Last week, Guimaraes was recognised as one of the best footballers in the world - based on current form.

In a list of 20 players complied by football website 90 Min, the Brazilian is ranked 18th with fellow Premier League stars Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Rodri, James Maddison, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Son Heung-min and Alisson Becker also named.

“After a rather shaky start to their 2023/24 campaign, Newcastle United have really began to fire on all cylinders recently and that is largely thanks to the superb performances of Bruno Guimaraes,” the website wrote. “He’s been so good in fact, that the Magpies recently gave him a new bumper five-year deal.”

Indeed, the 25-year-old’s return to form has coincided with a seven-game unbeaten run for Eddie Howe’s side. Guimaraes scored during United’s record-breaking 8-0 win at Sheffield United while also starring in standout victories over Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.