Arsenal have been linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães, and he could just be the player that complements Declan Rice in that midfield. Mikel Arteta can use him in multiple roles and that could help the Gunners unlock another tactical unpredictive-ness in their arsenal.
Bruno Guimarães – Player Profile:
Age: 26.
Club: Newcastle United.
Position: CM/DM.
Foot: Right.
Nationality: Brazilian.
Value: €85M
Height: 6ft
Avg SofaScore rating: 7.27
The Brazilian grew through the ranks of Atletico Paranaense academy and went on to play a brief spell at Lyon. Impressive performances at the French giants got him a move to Newcastle United couple of seasons ago, where Arsenal were the closest in pursuit.
Building the new-age Newcastle side around Bruno Guimaraes has highly benefitted the Magpies. Recent sources suggest that Arsenal have started groundwork in exploring the Brazilian as an option for their summer plans.
@David_Ornstein: “Arsenal really like Bruno [Guimarães] as an option if they are to recruit a #6. He can also operate at #8, but Newcastle, Arsenal & others view him as a #6.”
“Arsenal also have a long-standing interest in Zubimendi for that position & no doubt there will be… pic.twitter.com/sEMd15RibP
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 3, 2024
Bruno is a right-footed midfielder who fits the bill as a DLP. Comfortable in a double #6 or a pivot, he’s more of a risk-taking and aggressive player on the side. Technically matured and an engine running the length of the pitch.
Just like Arsenal, Newcastle too like to build from the back. Bruno in the heart of the midfield is an option for a short pass to draw the press, once succeeds in baiting the press he rapidly holds onto the ball and progresses higher up the pitch.
As a receiver, he’s proficient in the build up phase and picks up the ball under pressure and feeds it to his teammates. He dictates his team’s play in terms of his distribution and helps retain possession with his positions.
Bruno is a technically gifted passer who passes with surgical precision. Always has an eye for a pass and he benefits from the space creation action to thread a pass between defences. Confidence and accuracy with no hesitation.
His long-ball passing has been his greatest strength. Averages 3.64 long passes per 90 with 94% accuracy. This helps him change the point of attack and also enables a different route to playmaking.
His on-the-ball creativity helps him move the ball into an offensive phase of play. He constantly plays through balls into spaces and simplifies play. Although he doesn’t rack up lots of assists he is the foundation to attacking plays.
In the combined two full seasons at Newcastle, he averages 6.5 passes to the final third per 90. He takes the risk of carrying the ball and meticulously finding a player in a dangerous position.
Bruno Guimaraes is a complete midfield general. For a ball-playing side, he does the job of setting the tempo knowing when to hold the ball for long or even patiently wait for the right pass with exchanges of passes. Usually progresses the ball through the central spaces but switches play to the wide areas before targeting a long ball.
Bruno intelligently holds onto the ball for more time waiting for to fund the best passes. His decision-making skills test out as he waits for shadow movements from his wide players using central players as decoys and lunges a long ball to the wings.
When we talk of his defensive actions, he times his tackles really well. Isn’t the most natural defender but he effectively knows how to win the ball. He commits to 7.70 duels per 90, winning with 92% accuracy.
An active figure in the middle of the pitch who helps in relentlessly pressing the opposition and winning duels in the final 3rd. He sets his balance right and competes in duels.
Covers ground quickly and doesn’t hesitate to go in for a duel. He’s difficult to beat as he makes the most of his physicality to bundle over opponents. Won 241 duels this season, the most in the league this season.
“When I lose a duel, I’m upset” – Arteta.
Areas on which he can improve on
Reckless on the ball: Although not always but once he does lose the ball and a dribbler dribbles past him and he can’t catch up to him, he’ll nastily try to pull the player down or try aggressively getting the ball and costing fouls. Lacks the composure at times.
Attitude: Might be a problem to some but not for all. A ‘taking the piss’ attitude is what people generally make him synonymous with. Has the traits to hurt people the wrong way where he loses his cool in matches but his output is pretty undeniable.
Wouldn’t mind having the nastiness in the squad since Granit Xhaka left?
How would he fit in?
Comfortable in slotting into a pivot, interchanging as a #6 or #8. Declan Rice as his partner makes both of them fluid as a duo and strengthen their weaknesses. Both get the freedom to move forward and show their prowess on the ball by carrying it further
Guimarães is a midfield profile that will enhance Arsenal’s output and creativity, especially from the not-so-fluid LHS of this season. Rejuvenating the best out of Martinelli could be an additional aspect of his game.
An all-phase midfielder who defends in a pivot comfortably while the SS leads the press. Apart from complimenting Rice and covering for him, he could also do the job of covering Ødegaard’s OOP responsibilities and also mitigate Havertz’s OOP/IP movements.
Conclusion
Bruno Guimarães positional instincts, passing ability and reading of the game from midfield sets him apart from other players. One of the most complete midfielders in the market for Arsenal to pounce on.
He has proven himself to be a rare talent to hold the strings, much like his talent his ceiling is also really high. A perfect coach with the right set of players besides him will help for the best output.
Arteta has always looked to value experience when it comes to squad building in particular areas and Bruno fits the bill as he’s transcending from a good spell in the PL.
Can Edu’s Brazilian connection secure a splendid deal for the Gunners?