Neil Lennon told BBC Radio 5 Live – as per BBC Live’s coverage – that Bruno Guimaraes is a player Newcastle fans can get excited by, having watched him at Lyon. The Brazilian made his debut, albeit off the bench on Tuesday.
Bruno, 24, joined Newcastle for a fee believed to be in the region of £40million from Lyon in the January window. He was one of five new signings made by the club’s Saudi-backed hierarchy last month.
The Brazil international only returned from his home country on Friday, having represented Brazil in World Cup qualifiers. It is perhaps why he started on the bench against Everton on Tuesday night.
Bruno came off the bench in the 88th minute but even in his five-minute cameo, he caught the eye – a neat backheel to Joelinton earning praise from fans. Ex-Celtic gaffer Lennon spoke about the midfielder on BBC 5 Live.
“I have seen Bruno Guimaraes at Lyon. An exceptionally talented player. He can do either role – holding or attacking midfielder. Technically superb and good football intelligence. The Geordies can be really excited about him.”
Lennon on Bruno: Could Newcastle star start against Aston Villa?
Having won two successive Premier League games, Newcastle now have a run of four decent outings against Villa, West Ham, Brighton and Brentford. They will be hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to five on Sunday.
Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock have formed a bond in midfield, and both were excellent against Everton. But in a perhaps, tougher test against Villa, a more defensive-minded midfielder might be needed instead of Willock.
Bruno is that. He would add to the defensive work rate that could be required against a side like Villa – who boast Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia. Having Bruno improves Newcastle defensively.
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