Bruno Guimaraes was full of praise for Newcastle United’s midfield maestro Sandro Tonali after the Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Brentford.
Toon cruised past the Bees with the Italian’s technically brilliant brace in the first half instrumental to guiding Newcastle to their second semi-final in three years.
Yoane Wissa’s late goal was little more than a consolation for Brentford as we got redemption for that 4-2 defeat 11 days prior with a solid team performance, but club captain Guimaraes singled out his midfield compatriot for huge praise.
Keith Downie has shared what Bruno had to say when stood alongside his Italian midfield partner and the Sky Sports cameras after the game.
On Tonali, Bruno 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.
“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.
“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.”
The chemistry between the two was a joy to behold on the St. James Park pitch last night as the two flitted around the space provided by the other and sprung plenty of chances for Eddie Howe’s side.
A performance undoubtedly highlighted by a superb pair of finishes by Tonali, the 24-year-old was egged on for a hat-trick from the home support.
It’s been a tough few years in the centre of the park for Newcastle. Joe Willock, Lewis Miley and Joelinton have suffered through injury woes, while the Tonali ban scuppered Howe’s plans for his midfield.
The midfield balance finally seems to feel right, and the vision that existed when Tonali’s signature was secured from Milan seems to have come to light at last. The Italian has excelled in the No. 6 role against both Chelsea and the Bees in the cup, as well as Crystal Palace and Liverpool in the league.
It has in turn given a certain Mr. G more freedom to progress. Now in his more advanced role, Bruno’s attacking output has been excellent in recent weeks and perhaps isn’t getting the credit he deserves – his rollback to Fabian Schar for Toon’s third yesterday evening the Brazilians third assist in the last four, added to with his goal against Leicester.