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NEWCASTLE: Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle United’s Premier League “bargain,” that’s the view of head coach Eddie Howe.
The 24-year-old was instrumental as the Magpies recorded their second emphatic top flight win on the bounce at St. James’ Park on Saturday, hammering Brentford 5-1. Guimaraes netted the first and crucial third in the encounter.
The Magpies have spent more than $200million in the last two transfer windows, with around 20 percent of that splashed on Brazil international Guimaraes.
And despite the incredible sum it cost to land Bruno from French outfit Lyon, Howe believes in today’s transfer market, United have netted themselves a steal.
“I find it difficult with that number, but yes he is. In the current climate he is absolutely a bargain,” said Howe.
“He has had a huge effect on the club and team. And in today’s market that is a relatively modest sum, even though I can’t believe I am saying that.”
When asked whether Guimaraes is the best player he’s ever played with or coached, Howe joked: “That makes me laugh — play with? No disrespect to anyone I played with, bar maybe Jermain Defoe in his early days was incredible. But there is no one like him.
“Coaching, I have coached some good individuals, but he would be right up there. An incredible talent, an incredible person. We love him to bits, enjoying watching him, coaching him and playing a part in his development.”
An almost flawless display from the player, set to star for his nation in Qatar this winter, was cut short midway through the second period, which was a cause for concern among the United faithful, who serenaded the player as he walked off.
However, Howe admits he was protecting the player’s fitness, rather than taking him off due to injury.
Howe said: “I said to him to run himself out and once he was done let me know.
“Again, I think the beauty of Bruno is he won’t let the team down when he gets to the point of being done.
“He’s obviously building up his fitness levels after his injury. He took responsibility for that to let me know so I could withdraw him.”
United climbed to fifth in the top flight table with the win and have done so by only conceding nine in their first nine games and losing just once.
However, it still feels like there’s more to come from this team.
Howe said: “There is definitely more to come because I think there are elements of our game we are not happy with. But that will always be the case under my eye, as I want perfection.
“The goal that went to VAR was maybe the jolt we needed. The first goal is always important and we got it.”
And on his match-winner, he concluded: “It takes very good players to effect games and I thought Bruno did throughout.
“The finish for the third goal was excellent because he had players outside him and he decided to take responsibility. It was a great finish.”