Newcastle news: Pundit issues ‘massive’ Bruno Guimaraes verdict
Eddie Howe’s newfound strength in depth will be “massively exciting” for Newcastle fans, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Bruno Guimaraes will be “champing at the bit” to get into the Magpies eleven.
Guimaraes came on as a 92nd-minute substitute after he was named on Newcastle’s bench yet again as the Tyneside club defeated Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday (13 February).
The Brazil international completed a move to St James’ Park for a £33.5million fee last month.
Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey, and Joelinton all impressed in midfield as Newcastle stretched their winning streak to three league games on Sunday.
Whelan suggested manager Eddie Howe is in a “great position” with his squad depth at present.
“It’s massive for the fans to see him in action,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve never really had that strength in depth before. Looking at that Newcastle bench, there wasn’t a player who jumped out at you.
“This is going to excite the fans, even if it’s just one player. The fans and Eddie Howe will know they can call on a player to come in who has real quality.
“It’s a great position for Howe to be in at the moment – you just can’t change a winning side.
“Guimaraes is bound to be champing at the bit, but he’ll have to watch his teammates and wait for that first real opportunity to make that midfield spot his own.
“I’m sure that he’s more than happy they’re out of that bottom three. They’ve got a huge chance of staying up and his time will come.
“He can be a massive part of that side for years to come.”
In other news, pundit “wowed” by what he spotted from Newcastle debutant on Sunday.