'Too good': Joelinton and Gabriel hail Bruno Guimaraes masterclass for Brazil

By Sam Preston

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes produced a goal and an assist in Brazil’s 4-0 thumping of Bolivia.

The 24-year-old and reported Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta laid on a strike for each other in the World Cup qualification away win.

The performance earned Bruno the man of the match award and should give him plenty of confidence ahead of returning to Newcastle.

The Magpies fans are perhaps yet to see him at his absolute best on a regular basis but this international display was a sign of things to come.

The performance certainly drew some admiration from two of his countrymen who also play in the Premier League.

Newcastle teammate Joelinton and £27 million (Sky Sports) Arsenal man Gabriel both posted Instagram messages to Guimaraes after the game.

Translated, Joelinton’s message read: “Congratulations brother, you deserve it!”. “You are too good brother,” added Gabriel.

If Joelinton keeps playing as he is, it cannot be long before he enters the international discussion ahead of the World Cup.

Brazil have the likes of Fred as regulars in their ranks. The Manchester United man runs hard and gets forward a bit more for his country than he does for his club but Joelinton dominated him at St James’ Park in December.

It really would complete Joelinton’s transformation if he made it to Qatar this winter as a midfielder with designs on winning the World Cup.

For now, Bruno is the man for Brazil and his performance should have got Newcastle fans very excited indeed.