Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, expressed his delight at the return of a confident Sandro Tonali from his international duties, but his fellow Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has faced harsh criticism.
During Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier, Guimaraes was substituted by manager Dorival Junior at half-time as Brazil suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to underdogs Paraguay. The 26-year-old’s performances for the Selecao have not received favorable reviews from supporters.
Globo Esporte readers in Brazil gave his performance against Paraguay a 1.5/10 rating, and Tim Vickery, a specialist in South American football, has claimed that Guimaraes is having a “mare” with the national team.
Howe can rely on one Newcastle midfielder who is on a high, even as another is nursing injuries. Tonali participated in all ninety minutes of Italy’s recent Nations League victories over Israel and France.
While his country’s media has criticized Guimaraes, Tonali has received praise for his achievements following a 10-month ban for betting offenses. The 24-year-old is also going above and beyond to maintain his superb condition.
