Darren Bent has lauded Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and claimed that he is a ‘consistent’ version of Hatem Ben Arfa, as he told MatchDay Extra on Premier League Productions (08/10/22 at 8:20 pm).
The 24-year-old netted a brace at the weekend as Eddie Howe watched his side put five past Brentford, with Glenn Hoddle adding that the January capture has ‘everything’ to his game.
Newcastle have been involved in two transfer windows since the takeover of their Saudi-led ownership and it could be argued that either Kieran Trippier, Guimaraes or club-record signing Alexander Isak has been their standout purchases on paper.
When the money started flowing through St James’ Park, it was signings such as Guimaraes that fans were looking forward to watching – and his performances since signing are proving why.
Even though Howe didn’t throw him straight into the XI when he joined from Lyon, once he got comfortable in that number eight spot, he showcased a variety of qualities from his no-nonsense ways when trying to win the ball back to his ability to see a pass that others don’t.
All in all, with Guimaraes nearing a year since he was in England’s top-flight, both Bent and Hoddle are liking what they are seeing from the player, with the former Sunderland man making an interesting comparison with the mercurial, Ben Arfa.
“I think the overall performance from him when he plays is what you get from him week in and week out, with the ball and without the ball,” said Hoddle.
“He has a bit of everything. He shows his strength and desire to run with the ball, then he is looking forward to pass. He has this energy about him. He is a modern-day player, in the sense that he has everything. He’s an 8/10 in everything he tries to do.”
Bent added: “He reminds me of Ben Arfa. Newcastle fans loved him. But I think he’s more consistent. They both have this ability where they can get fans off their seats. You know what Newcastle fans are like, they want to be entertained and he’s certainly has been just that.”
BRUNO BOSSING THE MIDFIELD
One of the first names on the teamsheet, perhaps now the heartbeat of the team, Guimaraes isn’t just a star man for Newcastle, but now one of the best players in the Premier League.
The Brazil World Cup hopeful could also argue that, compared with those teams outside of Europe, he is perhaps the best player in the Premier League.
Other standout names would be players like Wilfried Zaha, James Maddison, Leandro Trossard, Callum Wilson and Aleksandar Mitrovic to name a few.
Either way, with Guimaraes’ magic star-dusted on top of Newcastle’s midfield, they are currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table and they are in with a great chance of securing European football.
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