Bruno Guimarães is one of the most underrated midfielders in world football for several reasons. Despite his incredible technical ability, vision, and all-around play, he often doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Here’s why:

1. Versatility and Tactical Awareness

Guimarães has the ability to play in multiple roles in the midfield. Whether it’s as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or even in an advanced role, he adapts seamlessly. His tactical intelligence is exceptional, always making the right decisions at the right time. This versatility allows his team to rely on him in various situations, but it sometimes makes him blend into the system and not stand out as a flashy individual.

2. Work Rate and Leadership

Bruno’s work ethic is phenomenal. He constantly presses the ball, disrupts opposition attacks, and is involved in both defensive and attacking transitions. Though he isn’t the most vocal player, his leadership qualities shine through in his relentless determination and the way he controls the tempo of the game. His ability to cover large areas of the pitch and his intelligence in reading the game often goes unnoticed because he does so much off the ball.

3. Underappreciation due to Team Context

Guimarães plays for Newcastle United, a club that, historically, hasn’t been seen as a football powerhouse. Despite his extraordinary performances, the relative lack of international success or major trophies for the club might contribute to him not getting the attention he deserves in global football conversations. If he were playing for one of Europe’s elite clubs, he would likely be talked about in a very different light.

4. Passing and Ball Progression

His passing range is exquisite. Whether it’s short, intricate passes or long diagonals, Guimarães can dictate the play from deep and link up the defense with the attack effortlessly. His vision and passing ability are a major asset for his team, but because he’s not a player who constantly grabs headlines with flashy assists, it sometimes gets overlooked.

5. Defensive and Physical Attributes

Guimarães also possesses a solid defensive game, with excellent ball recovery and interceptions. His ability to break up attacks and then quickly switch play is invaluable. He’s not the biggest physical presence, but his intelligence and agility compensate for that. His defensive contributions often get overshadowed by his attacking responsibilities, but he does both roles exceptionally well.

6. International Success

Although Guimarães has been a part of the Brazilian national team, the depth of talent in Brazil’s midfield means that he hasn’t always been a starter in international tournaments. The competition for spots in such a talented team often means his performances go under the radar.

7. Consistency Over Flashiness

Unlike some midfielders who rely on moments of individual brilliance, Guimarães is known for his consistency. He doesn’t always get the flashiest stats, but his influence on the pitch is undeniable. This makes it harder for him to be recognized compared to players who might have more standout moments but aren’t as involved in every aspect of the game.

In summary, Bruno Guimarães is often underrated because of his understated style of play, the team he plays for, and his consistent rather than spectacular performances. However, when you closely analyze his contributions both offensively and defensively, it becomes clear that he is one of the most complete and underrated midfielders in the game today.