They say don't get too excited about pre-season friendlies but that is easier said than done when you're a Newcastle United fan. Friday's friendly with 1860 Munich gave fans their first glimpse of new signings Sven Botman and Nick Pope in Austria.
The latter started from the outset and enjoyed an hour of football as he kept the German side at bay. Botman, who was pursued for months before finally joining Newcastle, also impressed during his second-half cameo in Saalfenden.
But it was Bruno Guimaraes, as per usual, that stole the show after playing the final 30 minutes of the 3-0 win. The Brazilian, who took the Premier League by storm after his January switch, picked up exactly where he left off with a stellar substitute performance on Friday.
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Introduced on the 61st-minute, it took the former Lyon man just three minutes before he assisted Sean Longstaff for the Magpies' second goal. 14 minutes later, he had the ball in the net himself and intercepting possession before a nice 1-2 with Chris Wood.
Guimaraes' introduction saw the tempo lift as Newcastle finally began to find space in behind the Munich defence that was so resilient in the first-half. The 24-year-old was dictating play as usual and looking to get on the ball whenever possible. As if anyone even needed reminding - but Bruno is destined for the very, very top.
The St. James' Park favourite has enjoyed a well-earned summer break, in which he also got engaged to his partner and improved his English by taking regular lessons. Guimaraes looks to have enjoyed the perfect rest period before returning to dominate Premier League midfields once more.
Speaking to the club last week, Guimaraes said: "At Newcastle, I am living my dreams too. To play in the Premier League, it was always my dream and here it is so special. The fans are great with me, and all the players as well. I'm happy.
"I know the expectations of the fans for this season - we are working so hard. We will do our best because the club needs this and the fans need a team like this.
“We are here to do our best and in the season, we can speak again and I hope we can speak about these things that we spoke (about) coming true. I hope for this."
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