John Anderson didn’t hold back on BBC Radio when discussing Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Ireland international featured for the Magpies over 300 times and has become an iconic voice on the radio waves with his live commentary of his former club on BBC Radio Newcastle, and he hasn’t been impressed by Bruno in recent weeks.
Typically a key figure in the Newcastle midfield, the Brazilian hasn’t looked his best in the last few weeks alongside a variety of midfield partners with Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff all getting starts since Joelinton limped off against Fulham.
John Anderson’s brutal comments on Bruno
Bruno Guimaraes has been the subject of harsh criticism from former Toon defender John Anderson after Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, ‘Ando’ said:
“I think he’s been awful lately. He looked like he couldn’t run, looked like he was chasing shadows.
“I think he’s been poor for a while.”
Champions-elect Liverpool were never forced out of first gear in a tame affair at Anfield in which Newcastle failed to muster a shot on target, making it three losses in four Premier League games for Eddie Howe’s side.
Bruno’s contributions were minimal in what is becoming a slight theme since the start of February. In truth, the last good game the skipper really had a heavy influence on was against Wolves on January 15 – but there is one obvious factor for his recent decline…
Bruno needs a break
In our view, “awful” is a tad strong to attribute to his performance on Wednesday, but had Sean Longstaff played like Bruno did at Liverpool, he’d have got a few pelters online.
Bruno has been superb since he joined, revolutionising our once unenergetic midfield and being a key part of our transition into a high-pressing, technical outfit. A top class operator with so much to offer on and off the ball, the expectation for the 27-year-old is higher than most – and more than he’s offered over the past month.
A quick look at the numbers paints a clear picture that the Brazilian is in desperate need of a rest. He has featured in 34 of our last 35 games, missing only the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in which he was suspended.
Howe has subbed Bruno off in five of our last six games, unsurprising with the amount of football he has played including last summer’s Copa America. This mixed in with his almost ever-present appearance record and sluggish display at Anfield means a rest could be wise before next month’s cup final.
Anderson is a pretty negative guy. Yes Bruno not up to his highest standard but the team have been let down by pope who’s forgotten he’s a goalkeeper and both cb’s Burn and Shar who can’t pass a ball 5 yards and cause unnecessary pressure. Summer window we need GK, 2x CB, 1 RB cover, 1 LB cover ,1 RW, 1X striker 200m total spend.
Torrio(Quote)
Anderson is a Mackem in disguise, his commentary is negative and always putting Newcastle down. I can’t stand listening to him.
Ian(Quote)
Anderson says it as he sees it!
Bruno has been way off the pace for a good while now, dallies in possession and lacks pace, personally I think he had his head turned. Miley would be better at the moment.
When you look at the energy and drive and the impact he had when he first came, that has disappeared, the best you get now is a few bits of air punching for the cameras.
Regression since he got his pay rise.
Joseph(Quote)
Ever since he was given the captaincy things have taken their toll on him, he needs to focus on his game, we know he takes the role as an honour, but we need him back and someone stronger in his place. Hwtl
Kiddafromthetoon(Quote)
Agreed on these points, too slow always wants to take a touch, rather than move the ball on. When you watch Tonali he moves the ball quickly with as few touches as possible. The extra touches and probing the defence is fine when you are up against a low block in the final 3rd. But when we are breaking and he’s taking 5 touches to move the ball sideways it just kills us, we loose the intensity and speed. It as if he knows if he takes the touches he will pick up the foul and won’t have to sprint 50m up the pitch.
He does look leggy at the moment, as do/did Isak, Schar and Gordon who have played a lot. It’s my main criticism of Howe is how he manages the big players minutes. Yes we don’t have the squad of City or Lpool but the difference is that their squad players get minutes so are ready, in form, etc ours just warm the bench whilst we flog the big hitters.
Leo88(Quote)
Like all players they have lapses of form .
He’s a quality player get off his back .
David Huddart(Quote)
There is no indispensible man
Dave Cape(Quote)
I would like to see Newcastle play 4-2-3-1
Team. Dubravka.
Livremento.Schar Burn Lewis
Miley. Tonali
Murphy. Bruno. Gordon
Issac
Howe always plays 4-3-3
Think this is outdated, all the top teams in premier and European play 4-2-3-1
Better for defending and attacking
Gary Wilson(Quote)