Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Bruno Guimaraes’ performance in Friday night’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park – saying he was the “best player on the pitch by a mile.”
The Sky Sports pundit believes he looks a “class act” and someone capable of growing with the club over the next “three of four years”, feeling there’s more to come from the Brazilian.
On his first start on home turf, the former Lyon man was everywhere, breaking up the play, winning his battles, showing immense composure on the ball and creating chances in the final third.
He was named man of the match just before the full-time whistle and received this praise from Jamie Carragher – who also spoke on camera to Eddie Howe after the game:
“He was the best player on the pitch by a mile, you could see it in the first 20 minutes.
“He rightly got given man of the match.
“I asked Eddie and it’s been difficult for him to try and get him [Bruno] in the team. There’s been that pressure.
“But there’s no doubt he’s a class act. And I think the players that Newcastle have brought in in January – a lot of them were good solid Premier League players to help keep Newcastle in the Premier League.
“He wasn’t signed for that. He was signed for the future…for the next three or four years.
“And I think the reaction of the crowd in the stadium…that’s the calibre of signing they want.
“Maybe another three or four like that in the summer to really push Newcastle forward, to get in a position – maybe where Wolves are – where with seven or eight games to go next season Newcastle are pushing for a European place.
“He looks a class act. He was the best player on the pitch tonight and I think there’s more to come.”
Here’s what Howe had to say when speaking to Jamie Carragher about Guimaraes, Wood and that 1-0 win after the game, starting with a clip of his response when asked if we’re now safe:
Howe on Guimaraes:
“Bruno Guimaeres is going to be a mainstay of the team,”
“The difficulty is that we went on that winning run, and it was difficult to break the midfield up. He got his opportunity today, and I thought he was excellent.
“He offered a different dimension. I’m excited by what he can bring to the team.“
Howe on the game itself:
“It was the kind of game we expected it to be.
“Wolves make it difficult for you. We had our moments.
“It took a penalty to win the game, but the players gave everything again.“
Howe on Wood’s match-winning goal and overall performance:
“I’m so pleased for Chris Wood.
“You could see him filling in on the left of midfield. He’s a willing lad.
“The goal will do wonders for him.
“I’m pleased he stepped up and took it.“
