Newcastle's Captain needs improvement on a key aspect before International break ends

Newcastle's 2024/25 season so far has neither been excellent nor too mediocre, with some good performances coming between sloppy displays. Coming on the back of yet another disappointing transfer window, some poor performances were expected; however, there have been grave issues apart from that as well.

Newcastle's Captain needs improvement on a key aspect before International break ends

Having one of the most injury-inflicted squads in PL, operating in the last few games without a proper number 9 forward, the injuries of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson certainly have cost them much. Moreover, the inconsistent form of the club's big names like Anthony Gordon has been much of an issue, as the club currently finds itself on a winless streak of 3 games.

While there have been improvisations in the last few games, with some of the best players like Club Captain Guimaraes returning to form, a PL stat shows the midfielder needs a major upgrade on a key aspect. After a decent outing against Southampton FC in the season opener, the ace midfielder's poor form had been a major headache for Eddie Howe for a long time.

However, the last few games of the number 6 have been quite brilliant. Firstly playing a key part in the club's important draw against Pep's Manchester City, and then having an amazing second-half cameo against Wimbledon in the EFL Cup, and finally, his prowess at the central midfield has been key to their overall performance. But while the number 6's performance shows major improvisation from the games before, Guimaraes needs to focus on a key aspect more.

As per Premier League 2024/25 statistics, Newcastle's Captain finds himself second in the number of losing possession the most times this season. With him having lost the ball in play to the opposition 18 times, he is just better than West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus in the stats. Considering the importance of controlling the game overall in Newcastle's playstyle, Bruno Guimaraes definitely needs to work on this aspect.

Not to forget, one such lapse was seen by the midfielder against Fulham, as he enhanced the opposition's lead further, placing a disastrous pass. Having established himself as one of the most consistent performers for the Tyneside club for quite a time now, the midfielder would want to improve upon this as he returns from the international break. Given the player's utility in the midfield, an improvisation on his possession play, and Isak's return to the XI, Newcastle could return to their best after the break.