Patrice Evra says Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is just ‘happy’ to be on Brazil’s bench for the Qatar World Cup, as he told Vibe with Five.
The former left-back added that he isn’t surprised Guimaraes hasn’t started a game for Brazil boss, Tite, because it is ‘really difficult’ getting into that talented squad.
He used 2002 World Cup winner and generational icon Ronaldo as an example and how he was warming the bench at the 1994 World Cup.
Given that Brazil had already qualified for the knockout stages by the time their showdown with Cameroon came about, wholesale changes were made, but Guimaraes coming into midfield wasn’t one of them.
Manchester United and Liverpool duo – Fred and Fabinho started as the sitters, with Real Madrid flyer, Rodrygo, as the man in behind.
It has meant that Guimaraes, who went to Qatar as one of the in-form midfielders, has had to contend with minutes from the bench, as Evra thinks the Toon Army favourite will be satisfied with his current situation.
“To be honest, I think the players to play, in the starting XI, even in the squad are really expensive,” said Evra. “Like it’s really difficult to make it in the squad.
“I think Bruno must already be happy to even be on the bench. It’s difficult to start in that team. Brazil has too much talent. Too many players to play.
“Even in 1994, wasn’t Ronaldo on the bench? He was a child. Ronaldo was on the bench. Of course, it was Romario, Bebeto, this is Brazil. I am not surprised.”
GUIMARAES SHOULD BE USED MORE
During Brazil’s defeat against Senegal, Guimaraes would have been kicking himself for not scoring because he caused havoc during his time on the pitch.
Given that the South American giants are lacking that flow, bite and flair, especially in the first half of games, then perhaps Tite should look at starting Newcastle’s January capture.
Out of all the Brazil attackers, only perhaps Vinicius Jr and Neymar Jr – with the latter currently injured – are in better form than Guimaraes himself, so that form has to be put to full use.
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