Don Hutchison has admitted that he ‘couldn’t believe’ Newcastle United managed to secure the talents of the now-thriving star Bruno Guimaraes and shared how he has become a ‘cult hero’ at St James’ Park.
Over the weekend, Guimaraes, who secured a £40 million switch from Lyon to Newcastle United during the January transfer window (Sky Sports), netted a brace as Eddie Howe’s side blitzed Brentford 5-1 in the Premier League.
It was a devastating performance from the Magpies and a performance of intent from the club in their chase to secure European football this season.
With a player of Guimaraes’ ilk, both forward and defensive thinking talents on display, then this team has every chance to be ahead of their current plans.
The idea this term would have been to secure a top-ten finish in the Premier League, but if Newcastle and Guimaraes continue in their current ways, then they should get into Europe.
Nonetheless, having watched the 24-year-old when he donned Lyon colours, as well as represent Brazil on the international stage, Hutchison loves everything about Newcastle’s new superstar, as he told the Weekend Review on Premier League Productions.
“He’s a cult hero,” said Hutchison. “What a player and what a signing. I still can’t believe Newcastle got him. £35 million. He plays the game like it’s easy for him.
“He plays as a holding midfield player and he still gets forward. Brilliant ability. He plays for Brazil as the number eight and Paqueta plays as the number ten.
“He has so much stardust about him – it’s his all-round game. You can tell him to play as an eight, and sit as a six, but he has this habit when he breaks forward to have a great eye for a pass.”
GUIMARAES RUNNING THE SHOW IN THE MIDFIELD
Newcastle always need that player who can lift them up from their seats. In years gone by, they would come few and far between.
From the underrated Yohan Cabaye to the unpredictable Papis Cisse and the devastatingly-talented Hatem Ben Arfa.
Well, now they can argue they have at least two amongst their ranks, one being Guimaraes and his ability to run the show from the middle of the park.
Plus the energetic and all-action livewire, Allan Saint-Maximin, who is starting to add maturity and end product to his game under Howe.
Whilst this Newcastle side still has a lot to prove, one thing is for sure, on paper and out on that pitch, they are starting to look entertaining.
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