Michail Antonio says Bruno Guimaraes cannot do what Declan Rice does

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Michail Antonio has told The Footballer’s Football Podcast that Bruno Guimaraes cannot do what Declan Rice does, when he and Callum Wilson were tasked with coming up with a five-a-side team made up of Newcastle and West Ham players.

After much deliberation, Lukasz Fabianski and Fabian Schar took up the opening two spots in the team. Neither position was decided unanimously. But the argument really started when they discussed the midfielder role.

Obviously, Rice is now West Ham’s captain. And many would be forgiven for thinking that he is a future skipper for his country. It is remarkable to think that he is only 23 as he has become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Bruno’s arrival at St James’ Park proved to be a real turning point for the Magpies last season. The Brazilian has been a revelation in the Premier League.

There was real pressure on Bruno when Newcastle paid £40 million as they battled relegation in January. But he dealt with the pressure brilliantly.

Nevertheless, Antonio was baffled when Wilson insisted that the former Lyon man had to get in ahead of Rice in their combined five-a-side team.

“Are you kidding me? Can Bruno defend? You need someone who can get forward and get back, who can dribble, who’s got skills and can score goals. Declan Rice is a madness,” he told The Footballer’s Football Podcast.

“Bruno can’t do what Dec does.”

Bruno Guimaraes cannot do what Declan Rice does

It seems incredibly likely that Bruno and Rice will be two of the best Premier League midfielders for several years to come. The Newcastle man is the older of the two, with his 25th birthday coming in November.

Neither is at their peak. And yet, they are already two of the most impressive options around in the middle of the park.

Newcastle fans will back Bruno, while West Ham supporters will be just as adamant that Antonio is right about Rice.

It is going to be fascinating to see how the pair develop with their teams in the coming years.