Michael Dawson has told Eddie Howe to build Newcastle United around Bruno Guimaraes after impressing against Wolves, speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (09/04, 12:15).
Guimaraes left the former Tottenham Hotspur defender in awe with his performance at St James’ Park on Friday night. A sole goal from Chris Wood from the penalty spot proved the difference for the Magpies. But Dawson deemed the Brazilian to be the Man of the Match.
The Magpies spent big to bring the 24-year-old to Tyneside in January during Howe’s first transfer window in charge. They paid Lyon £35m, with a further £6.5m agreed in add-ons. Yet opportunities to showcase his value have proven infrequent since the mid-season deal.
Howe sought to introduce Guimaraes to the Premier League gradually with brief cameos in his first five Newcastle appearances. Joelinton suffering a groin injury then opened a door for Guimaraes to start at Southampton. He has since opened four of their following five.
The midfielder’s only outing off the bench since the Toon won at St Mary’s came away to Tottenham last week. But Joe Willock was unavailable against Wolves after he failed a late fitness test on a knee injury. Howe does not expect the issue will keep him out long-term.
Dawson tells Howe to build Newcastle around ‘magnificent’ Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes more than seized his chance to impress Howe as Newcastle beat Wolves 1-0 on Friday night. His passing was top-draw throughout the Tyneside tussle and was essential to each piece of positive play the St James’ outfit produced against Bruno Lage’s visiting side.
Dawson now urges Howe to build his Newcastle side around Guimaraes with further deals likely this summer. As the six-cap Brazil star can be central for the Magpies for many years.
“Yeah, definitely,” Dawson said. “He had to be patient to get his first start, they’d been on a good vein of form [but] Willock was out injured. So, it gives him an opportunity.
“He’s had to be patient. He’s come to the country, different culture, but last night he was magnificent. And they paid big money for him. He was a signing that you’d say: ‘This is for the long-term’. He picked up pockets, he’d play, hold them [off], strong.
“He was Man of the Match, he had everything. Building the team? Definitely. They’ll look to spend more money in the summer [but] Bruno Guimaraes, he will be the for the long-term. Breaking things up, he’s got it all. Great, great signing.”
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