Ex-Newcastle striker Louis Saha has praised Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes for his performances over the course of the campaign.

When asked to name his ‘unsung hero’ by Best Betting Sites, Saka chose Guimaraes along with three other players:

“I really like the boy from Bournemouth, Justin Kluivert. I think Kluivert has been exceptional this season. think that he doesn’t get the praise he deserves, but I really think that he’s a real star. I like Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford as well.

“I would have said Amad from Manchester United deserves to be in the conversation, but he’s out for the rest of the season now. I’m a big admirer as well of Bruno Guimaraes and Newcastle. I don’t think that he’s getting the praise that he deserves. I think he’s one of the top, top players in the Premier League. If I had to name one, I will go for Kluivert. I really like his game.”

Guimaraes’ season in numbers

The Brazilian has had a strong campaign in the middle of the park for Eddie Howe’s side. He has averaged 7.59 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League, putting him in the top 6% of midfielders for that particular metric.

In terms of goals and assists, Guimaraes has averaged 0.33 per 90, placing him in the top 16% of midfielders, having also averaged 41 take-ons per game.

Saha named a Newcastle target

The fact that Bryan Mbeumo was mentioned is also interesting. The Cameroon international has been in great form, having scored 14 goals in 25 league appearances, and the Magpies have reportedly approached Brentford about signing him recently.

Of course, Mbeumo does have other suitors too, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool having been credited with an interest in the forward.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here