Match of The Day pundit Micah Richards has hailed Bruno Guimaraes as one of Newcastle's best signings in recent years. The Brazilian was at the heart of a gritty, combative win over Everton at St. James' Park.
The Magpies midfielder showed a different side of his game, being forced to battle it out with Everton's powerful midfield trio. Guimaraes came out on top and was unfortunate not to find himself on the scoresheet.
The win over Everton ensures Eddie Howe's side keep up the pace with the early pace setters and consolidate their European berth. The Toon have one of the best defensive records in the division, a stark difference from last season.
Speaking on Match of The Day, Richards said: "It was another Bruno masterclass today, but it was all parts of his game. We know what he can do going forward. He's a lovely technique and touch about him, one touch, two touch, play it wide.
"This would have been one of the goals of the season had it gone in [Bruno's effort that went narrowly wide in the first-half] leaning back. He gets in these areas and I watch him and think 'Just a little ball round the corner' and what you're thinking in your head he does straight away.
"He drops into little positions like this, he's up against (Amadou) Onana, Idrissa Gueye as well and it was always going to be a tough battle in there today, but it was all about him. Every time he got his foot on the ball - can we pass it forward, can we dictate the pace of the game?
"This is the side that I loved about him as well, putting in the work for his team, running back. He's just out of position here but he's got the tenacity to get back for his team and it was just an all round great performance from him, one of the signings of the season for Newcastle in recent years."
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