Newcastle United fans absolutely love Bruno Guimaraes, but Jamie Carragher thinks he lacks something.
The Newcastle United captain has enjoyed another impressive campaign in black and white, with Gary Neville including Bruno Guimaraes in his team of the season.
However, Jamie Carragher has ranked Sandro Tonali higher than the Brazilian.
That is not because Carragher does not think Bruno Guimaraes is a good player. In fact, he believes he is a very good player.
Instead, Carragher believes there is something missing from the 27-year-old’s game.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jamie Carragher says what Bruno Guimaraes ‘lacks’
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast on The Overlap YouTube channel, Carragher wondered whether he is missing something with regards to Bruno because of how beloved he is at St James’ Park.
“Guimaraes is one for me, I think he is a good player,” he said.
“Newcastle fans love him, but they love him that much that sometimes I think am I watching the same game for how much they love him.
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“I think he’s a really good player. He lacks a bit of pace.
“I just like the pace and the power of Tonali.”
Bruno Guimaraes accused of not being athletic
When you compare Bruno to Tonali, the Italian midfielder has so much more running power. He is like a machine, covering so much ground in a black and white shirt.
As for Bruno, he works tirelessly off the ball too, but does not do it with the same relentless speed as the Magpies’ midfield maestro.
This is not the first time that Bruno has been questioned for his lack of running power.
In February 2024, Danny Murphy said Bruno Guimaraes was not a great athlete during an appearance on TalkSPORT.
“He’s not a great athlete,” Murphy said.
“I feel for him because I was the same. I had to be on top of my game to look a good player. When I was below my best physically, I looked a bit lethargic and sloppy at times.
“He needs real athletes around him to shine. Normally they have got that with Joelinton, Willock and Longstaff. They surround him with amazing legs so you see the best of him.
“But to be fair to Bruno, his durability in terms of always being available… he always turns up. His athleticism is only a problem when he doesn’t have those around him to help him. He’s still a crucial player for them, but if you’re talking about the best midfielders in the world, that’s what will stop him being classed as one of them.”
Bruno hit back at Murphy’s comment a few months later, clearly showcasing his displeasure at what the former Liverpool midfielder had said.
One year later, it will be interesting to see if Bruno responds to Carragher’s criticism.
But while Carragher perhaps does not understand the Toon Army’s love for their captain, the Newcastle United skipper continues to be one of the most adored players on Tyneside.
He has cemented himself as a club legend already, helping Newcastle win the Carabao Cup earlier this season.