Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where the final fixture of Matchweek 32 could be won or lost.
Player analysis: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
Is Guimaraes the strongest all-round central midfielder in the Premier League?
From a physical, technical and tactical perspective, it is hard to think of anyone who offers more varied excellence than Newcastle's outstanding captain.
The Brazilian is enjoying another barnstorming season where he has been equally impactful in and out of possession - and the Magpies’ impressive surge towards a top-five finish owes plenty to the diversity of his skill set.
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Notable numbers
No Premier League player has run further than Guimaraes this season, while he has won the most duels and fouls and is also joint-leader when it comes to serving up accurate through-balls.
In terms of ball carries from midfielders, he also tops the rankings, with a total of 450.
Most distance run (km)/duels won 24/25
| Distance run (km) | Duels won | ||
| Bruno Guimaraes | 341.8 | Bruno Guimaraes | 206 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antonee Robinson | 334.3 | Antoine Semenyo | 203 |
| Youri Tielemans | 331.0 | Elliot Anderson | 196 |
Most fouls won/successful through-balls 24/25
| Fouls won | Succ. through-balls | ||
| Bruno Guimaraes | 94 | Bruno Guimaraes | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Maddison | 63 | Martin Odegaard | 12 |
| John McGinn | 60 | Bruno Fernandes | 12 |
Incisive passing
Guimaraes’ through-balls for Alexander Isak have been especially profitable in 2024/25.
He is always looking to make a penetrative pass and set up a goal for leading marksman Isak against Liverpool with a precise distribution that sent him clear...
...and then in a 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Last season, Guimaraes was often the deepest-lying midfielder in Eddie Howe’s starting line-up, but he has been used in a box-to-box role far more regularly in 2024/25.
This has got him into better positions inside the final third, and although he is short of the 15 direct goal involvements he produced last season, his six assists and four goals are still creditable given how much else Guimaraes offers the side.
When he is on the ball in the opposition half, Guimaraes has the talent to see - and execute - passes that unlock the door.
Non-stop involvement
Many modern-day creators also offer plenty without the ball, and Newcastle's skipper is very much in that camp.
He has run further than any other player this season, and also ranks fifth for his 11.5km per 90 minutes (min 2,000 mins).
Guimaraes brings great energy to the team and is part of a highly industrious midfield unit that also boasts Joelinton and Sandro Tonali (12.1km per 90, third-best in the division).
The defensive action areas map below reflects the ground that he covers for Howe’s side, winning the ball back in all areas of the pitch.
Guimaraes can press high, be abrasive in the mid-block or break up play in deeper parts of the field with equal effectiveness.
Guimaraes v Wharton
On Wednesday evening at St James’ Park, he will encounter a Crystal Palace midfield that is also combative, skilful and hard working.
Adam Wharton is the most comparable Eagles player, another excellent passer that also offers quality out of possession.
When you compare some of their data for 2024/25 on a per 90-minute basis, the Palace midfielder sits comfortably in the company of players such as Guimaraes.
While the Newcastle star edges most categories, and is clearly more of an attacking threat, their numbers are not far apart at all.
Guimaraes v Wharton stats compared 24/25
| Premier League per 90 | Guimaraes | Wharton |
| Duels won | 6.94 | 4.94 |
|---|---|---|
| Possession won | 5.05 | 6.66 |
| Tackles won | 1.35 | 1.15 |
| Pressures in middle third | 15.97 | 14.15 |
| Direct goal involvement | 0.34 | 0.08 |
| Chances created | 1.15 | 0.82 |
| Succ. passes into final third | 13.61 | 11.68 |
| Shots | 1.15 | 0.82 |
The duo could be described as "box-to-box" players, and although Guimaraes covers a wider expanse of grass, the patterns on their respective season heat maps are remarkably similar.
So, you can expect combat at close quarters from Wharton and Guimaraes in this midweek encounter.
Guimaraes's 2024/25 heat map
Wharton's 2024/25 heat map
Who are the most-rounded midfielders in the division?
You don’t get many prolific ball-winners who also contribute a stack of goals and assists.
This is why Guimaraes is so vital to his team.
If you search for players who have produced at least 10 goal involvements AND have at least 150 ball recoveries to their name, the list is short.
Just two individuals pop up for 2024/25 - and they happen to both be Bruno - Guimaraes and Fernandes of Manchester United!
Guimaraes v Fernandes comparison 24/25
| Player | Goals + assists | Ball recoveries |
| Bruno Guimaraes | 10 | 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 17 | 182 |
Analysing the more creative side of the game, using categories that highlight great distribution, as well as duel-winning capacity, the list is also small.
Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans is the only player outside of the two Bruno’s who can boast 150+ successful duels, 40+ chances created and 600+ successful passes inside the opposition half.
Strong in all the relevant departments, this trio are very-rounded players.
Guimaraes v Tielemans v Fernandes comparison 24/25
| Player | Guimaraes | Tielemans | Fernandes |
| Duels won | 206 | 173 | 156 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chances created | 41 | 56 | 77 |
| Succ. passes in opp. half | 684 | 910 | 842 |
Elite level influence
While Isak has deservedly been lavished with praise this season, you could easily argue that Guimaraes is at least of equal importance to Newcastle.
He can attack and defend with equal quality and enthusiasm, while the energy and work-rate he supplies is also a valuable commodity within the starting XI.
Abrasive but also intelligent, Guimaraes is a complete midfield maestro that takes Newcastle up a level with and without the ball.
