Bruno Guimaraes appears to have been impressed by Newcastle United teammate Sandro Tonali after his performance for Italy over the international break.
Tonali played in Italy’s 5-0 win over Estonia on Friday night as the Azzurri raised fresh hope of a first World Cup qualification since 2014.
While more difficult tests will come for new Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso, it was at least a positive start to his reign.
Newcastle star Tonali was again impressive. Indeed, it’s worth remembering that he recently suffered a shoulder injury too, so may not be at the peak of his fitness.
Still, the 25-year-old battled on and played for Eddie Howe away at Leeds before taking his talents back to the international stage on Friday night.
Guimaraes was impressed.
Newcastle United players celebrate after scoring a goal in a Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes hails Sandro Tonali as his brother
It wasn’t just Tonali who impressed on the international stage.
Indeed, Brazilian media hailed Guimaraes for his performance against Chile, in which the Toon captain scored a goal.
After the game, Tonali took to social media platform Instagram and captioned a post: “Heart, determination and desire to prove who we are.”
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Guimaraes, in reply, wrote: “Fratello [Brother].”
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali continue to prove doubters wrong
It’s incredible to think that there were once doubts about Tonali and Guimaraes being able to play together.
During their first few appearances together, the midfield unit alongside Joelinton didn’t really click.
That, however, is now a thing of the distant past. Newcastle’s success last season was largely built on that particular trio after Tonali returned from his ban.
Hopefully, the club can keep them together for a few years yet. Newcastle are ready to offer Tonali a new contract, as they look to ward off the interest that emerged in him earlier this summer.
The more Tonali, Guimaraes and Joelinton play together over the next few months, the better Newcastle will be this season.