Journalist Joe Bucks has had his say on the performances of Newcastle United players in their friendly victory over Athletic Bilbao, claiming that Bruno Guimaraes ‘looked frustrated’.
The Magpies looked set to cruise to victory when Allan Saint-Maximin doubled their lead by adding to Callum Wilson’s initial early opener. Bilbao soon fought back, however, with Raul Garcia halving the deficit before Newcastle held on to secure a win back in front of their home fans.
Commenting on the game in his player ratings for The Shields Gazette, Joe Buck had his say on Guimaraes: “Started the game like a man on a mission and controlled the midfield throughout the first-half. Had a quiet second period and looked frustrated as things didn’t seem to click for him. Subbed just before the final whistle.”
The 6/10-rated midfielder was probably not alone in his frustration, given how Newcastle were forced to battle for a 2-1 victory after things looked set to become relatively routine at the start of the second half.
The Brazilian will hope to have shaken off all of the rust, with the Premier League campaign getting underway in under a week, when Newcastle will face newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
TIF Thoughts on Bruno Guimaraes…
Since arriving last season, Guimaraes has starred at St. James’ Park, scoring five goals, and assisting one from midfield in what was an unexpected, talismanic role for the Brazilian.
In his first full Premier League season, he will hope to better those numbers and help Newcastle towards greater heights. He will be well aware of the new era that Newcastle are entering, and the role he can play in making that era a success. Based on last season, the midfielder certainly looks set to be a key player in the coming campaign.