Eddie Howe will keep people guessing when it comes to the exact placing of Newcastle United midfielders Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle United’s recent success was largely built on Tonali operating in a deeper role, allowing Guimaraes to move further forward.
However, Howe flipped the two on Saturday night as Newcastle beat Manchester City.
Guimaraes was excellent in the deeper role, while Tonali’s running power helped provide support further forward.
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While only a slight tweak in terms of positions, it’s a big change in the context of this Newcastle team. For so long, supporters have got used to seeing Tonali play deeper and Guimaraes roam upfield.
Interestingly, it could be an experiment that is set to continue.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali could be set for Newcastle United position change
The Newcastle United manager was asked about the change in his midfield when speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Marseille.
While he didn’t name the exact one, he did suggest there “was loads of different reasons” for his decision.
“I think they can do everything,” he said.
“There was loads of different reasons why I switched them in position. On this occasion, I felt it benefited their performances.
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“Every game is different, it’s great to have those options that I can choose them. Both players played their different positions with great attitude, that’s fundamentally so important.
“They wanted to do what was asked of them. So, I’ll pick every team on its merits in terms of what the opposition bring and what we need to deliver.
“Two outstanding players who can play anywhere, for me.”
Howe then kept everyone waiting when asked if it would continue.
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
Newcastle United could be set for Bruno Guimaraes U-turn after position change
Only a few weeks ago, Guimaraes revealed that he’d been asked to get forward more often by the Newcastle United coaching staff.
He certainly came good on that by scoring a dramatic late winner against Fulham, but his performance in deeper role against City isn’t to be overlooked.
Having watched Guimaraes put in such a fine performance, it’s difficult to imagine things going back to how they were so quickly, even if one of the two are rested in France.
Those gut-busting runs into the box may be a thing of the past, should the Brazilian operate as Newcastle’s No.6.
Newcastle’s midfield has been criticised this season. It was back during Tonali’s first few months at the club and straight after returning from his ban, too.
Howe turned things around by moving the Italian deeper. Now, he could have stumbled on another winning formula by moving things around once again.
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