Bruno Guimaraes partnership emerges as Newcastle United favourite raises game of team-mates

Adding players of incredible ability will not only improve Newcastle United as a whole but also individuals within the team. Bruno Guimaraes' January arrival saw the Magpies surge up the Premier League table last season and looks to have given a new lease of life to his fellow midfielders in recent months.

Guimaraes took the headlines after the 3-0 win over 1860 Munich last week but Sean Longstaff himself got on the scoresheet and enjoyed a decent performance after coming off the bench after the hour-mark. The duo started from the outset against Mainz on Monday and ran the midfield in what was ultimately a quiet first-half.

Longstaff looks fitter, leaner, more confident, is moving the ball on quicker and thrashed home a decent goal on Friday after a tidy assist from Guimaraes. The two Newcastle stars are developing a strong partnership occupying the number six and number eight roles in Eddie Howe's setup.

Questions surrounded Longstaff's future before the end of last season as the local lad put in career-saving performances to earn himself a new deal on Tyneside. The final home game of the campaign against Arsenal saw him drift towards the right and help Miguel Almiron in attack, while his Burnley showing days later was a reminder he has what it takes to play a role in Newcastle's new era.

The 24-year-old has started pre-season well and looks to be enjoying his football when playing alongside Guimaraes, who continues to dazzle within the Magpies setup. Jonjo Shelvey is another who faced questions over his long-term future after the October takeover but has raised his game since January.

Shelvey is another who looks a lot sharper this pre-season as Howe ensures there is no repeat of last summer's struggles with fitness.