Bruno Guimaraes could make his first World Cup start as Brazil face Cameroon in their final Group G fixture. The Selecao have already booked their place in the knockout stages, and will guarantee top spot if they avoid defeat against the Indomitable Lions.
Newcastle United have six representatives in Qatar, all of whom have secured progress from the group stages. However, Kieran Trippier is the only member of this group to actually earn a start in the competition, with the rest restricted to substitute appearances or yet to feature.
Without doubt, the most surprising omission so far has been Guimaraes' struggle to force his way into Brazil's starting eleven. The January signing was an unused substitute in the opening win against Serbia, before being introduced around the hour mark against Switzerland.
READ MORE: Newcastle United's World Cup stars won't be rushed back into domestic action
Brazil are rightly considered one of the favourites for the World Cup, with outstanding depth in attack. But in midfield, Tite has so far preferred West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta and Manchester United star Fred ahead of Guimaraes.
It is a decision which has raised eyebrows on Tyneside so far, given the former Lyon star's almost immediate impact in black-and-white. A recent stats breakdown on Sky Sports by pundits Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane proved Guimaraes is currently performing as one of the most 'complete' midfielders in the Premier League.
The Brazil international ranked highly in a number of categories compared to the 'Big Six' rivals, including tackles, carries and chances created. Guimaraes has already netted three times this season, despite occupying a deeper-lying role as well as a hamstring injury which ruled him out for games.
It did not seem like the Magpies midfielder could have done much more in his short stint at St James' Park so far to earn a starting spot in Qatar. Yet when Brazil began their campaign for an historic sixth World Cup, Guimaraes found himself among the substitutes.
Neymar's injury setback provided an unexpected opportunity in their second game against Switzerland, only for Fred to be given the nod. It was a call which was questioned by supporters, and stats on social media following the full-time whistle were used to illustrate this point.
Fred was replaced in the 58th minute by Guimaraes, and the Newcastle star was hailed for his impact as Brazil went on to seal a 1-0 win courtesy of a late Casemiro strike. Despite spending almost half the amount of time on the pitch, Guimaraes was said to have completed more passes into the final third, more take-ons and won more duels than Fred.
It was an all-action cameo which the Toon Army have grown accustomed to seeing, and one that could reportedly see Newcastle's number 39 make his first start on Friday. Guimaraes felt 'indescribable happiness' after making his World Cup bow, and the stats for both club and country indicate he will be ready to make that spot his own if the chance comes against Cameroon.
READ NEXT
- Newcastle rewarded for revisiting £35m transfer target who can become 'one of the best'
- Newcastle bank early advantage over 'Big Six' rivals in Champions League race
- Dan Ashworth discusses new Newcastle strategy after previous experience with Alexis Mac Allister
- 'No disrespect' - Former Newcastle star backs Alexander-Arnold in Trippier England debate
- Newcastle United watched Netherlands star before World Cup but would have stiff competition
