Malick Thiaw is one of Newcastle Unitedâs very best players but even he is sometimes left in awe of Bruno Guimaraes.
Both players were on the scoresheet for Eddie Howeâs side as Newcastle United beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in the Premier League in their first game of 2026.
Guimaraes opened the scoring with a crucial header in the second half after some fine work from Lewis Miley, before Thiaw prodded home from close range following the Brazilianâs corner.
Where is Lewis Mileyâs best position â RB or CM?!
Thiaw was excellent again for Newcastle and denied Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta a shot on goal after a Palace break.
The German is surely Newcastle Unitedâs best summer signing. Still, as good as he is, even Thiaw is lost for words when it comes to Guimaraes.
Malick Thiaw hails Bruno Guimaraes after Newcastle United beat Crystal Palace
Thiaw was speaking to Premier League reporter Andy Sixsmith after the game at St Jamesâ Park.
When talking about Guimaraes, Thiaw was full of praise.
He described his captain as âincredibleâ and admits he simply has to say âwowâ when watching some of the things the Brazilian does up close.
âBruno Guimarares is incredible,â he said. âOff the pitch, a super nice guy â but on the pitch, his quality speaks for itself. Some things he does Iâm like wow â what a player!â
Who was your MOTM against Crystal Palace?!
THREE CRUCIAL POINTS đ
Thiaw has surprised Guimaraes at Newcastle this season too
The pair are certainly among the most important players in the Newcastle United squad.
Without them, this inconsistent campaign could well have been an awful lot worse.
Thankfully, the two boast fine injury records and have rarely missed games this season.
While not to take the quality Guimaraes has for granted, him stepping up for Newcastle United is hardly anything new for supporters.
That doesnât mean it shouldnât be praised, just that itâs something to which weâve all become rather accustomed.
The likes of Thiaw, and to a slightly lesser extent Nick Woltemade, are what is keeping this Newcastle team fresh.
There have not been many new players arriving over the past few seasons but the two Germans have made huge impacts.
In fact, Guimaraes has been surprised by how well Thiaw has played for Newcastle.
Back in October, the midfielder said: âHe surprised me a lot. He is very good with and without the ball as well, so quick, smart, breaking lines.â
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