Bruno Guimaraes has heaped praise on Eddie Howe for unlocking the midfield combination that is allowing Sandro Tonali to flourish.
Howe found himself on the end of boos from frustrated fans when taking off Tonali as he tried to manage his minutes earlier in the campaign. But the former Serie A man is now looking ship shape and playing his best football in a black and white shirt.
The Magpies had to wait for Tonali's ban to end in autumn after he served a 10-month suspension after he was caught up in an illegal betting scandal in his home country. But after being gradually re-introduced to Premier League and cup action, Tonali is now beginning to show why Newcastle paid AC Milan £55million for his services.
Howe's team are starting to settle down now with [Tonali](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/sandro-tonali) taking the number 6 role and Bruno pushing further forward in the number 8 position. [Bruno](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/bruno-guimaraes) said: "I feel we compliment each other and the gaffer has found a way to benefit the team with our positions. We rotate during the game who is the 6 and who is the 8 and it is working."
Bruno also felt that Tonali's re-integration to the first-team picture should not be underestimated. The Brazil international and Newcastle team captain said: "He went through a difficult moment in his career but he’s always been positive. He’s an unbelievable player and a really amazing guy."
Tonali illuminated St James' Park with a two goal show in the 3-1 win over Brentford to book a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Bruno quipped: "This morning I joked with him ‘it’s time for you to score my friend!’ So I was just as happy for him as if I scored the goals myself.
"He was out (last year suspended) but he was always there supporting us. He learnt English already, is a massive player for us and I’m so proud of him."