BBC Newcastle's John Anderson is not happy with Bruno Guimaraes

John Anderson didn’t hold back on BBC Radio when discussing Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. 

The Ireland international featured for the Magpies over 300 times and has become an iconic voice on the radio waves with his live commentary of his former club on BBC Radio Newcastle, and he hasn’t been impressed by Bruno in recent weeks.

Typically a key figure in the Newcastle midfield, the Brazilian hasn’t looked his best in the last few weeks alongside a variety of midfield partners with Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff all getting starts since Joelinton limped off against Fulham.

John Anderson's brutal comments on Bruno

Bruno Guimaraes has been the subject of harsh criticism from former Toon defender John Anderson after Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat. 

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, ‘Ando’ said:

"I think he's been awful lately. He looked like he couldn't run, looked like he was chasing shadows.

"I think he's been poor for a while."

Champions-elect Liverpool were never forced out of first gear in a tame affair at Anfield in which Newcastle failed to muster a shot on target, making it three losses in four Premier League games for Eddie Howe’s side.

Bruno’s contributions were minimal in what is becoming a slight theme since the start of February. In truth, the last good game the skipper really had a heavy influence on was against Wolves on January 15 - but there is one obvious factor for his recent decline…

Bruno needs a break

In our view, "awful" is a tad strong to attribute to his performance on Wednesday, but had Sean Longstaff played like Bruno did at Liverpool, he'd have got a few pelters online.

Bruno has been superb since he joined, revolutionising our once unenergetic midfield and being a key part of our transition into a high-pressing, technical outfit. A top class operator with so much to offer on and off the ball, the expectation for the 27-year-old is higher than most - and more than he's offered over the past month.

A quick look at the numbers paints a clear picture that the Brazilian is in desperate need of a rest. He has featured in 34 of our last 35 games, missing only the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in which he was suspended.

Howe has subbed Bruno off in five of our last six games, unsurprising with the amount of football he has played including last summer’s Copa America. This mixed in with his almost ever-present appearance record and sluggish display at Anfield means a rest could be wise before next month's cup final.