Did Danny Murphy really just compare himself to Bruno Guimaraes? - Yes, yes he did

Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy was on co-commentary duty for the BBC last night during the Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United game.

Murphy is a regular on Match of the Day and pops up often on TalkSPORT too. It's not often he has anything of any not to say, in fact his commentary last night was actually painful.

However, Murphy has outdone himself now talking about Newcastle's star man Bruno Guimaraes on TalkSPORT.

Danny Murphy was still very complimentary about Bruno

The 46-year-old was talking about the one thing that will prevent Bruno Guimaraes from becoming one of the world's best.

Let's ignore the fact that Bruno Guimaraes is an established Brazilian international which is about as world-class as it gets and let's look at what Murphy said on TalkSPORT (h/t TBR Football).

Murphy was asked if Guimaraes' athleticism is a problem.

“Yes, absolutely. That’s what will stop him being one of the best because everything else in his game is superb.

“Great passer, technically gifted. But he’s not a great athlete.

“I feel for him because I was the same really. I had to be on the top of my game to look good and when I was below my best physically, I looked a bit lethargic and sloppy at times.

“He needs real athletes around him to shine. Normally they’ve got it with Joelinton, Willock, Longstaff, they surround him with amazing legs and you see the best of him.

“But to be fair to Bruno, his availability in terms of always being available to play, he always turns up. His athleticism is only a problem when he doesn’t have those around him to help him.

“He’s still a crucial player for them but if you’re talking about the best midfielders in the world, that’s what will stop him being classed as one of them.”

Bruno's athleticism or lack thereof really isn't that much of an issue

Bruno Guimaraes played so many games while injured last season and was still consistently one of our best players. He may not be the quickest on the pitch, but his footballing brain and his natural ability far outweigh the slight deficit in his athletic ability.

Pace and athleticism are huge parts of the modern game, but they aren't the be-all and end-all, and Bruno still has what it takes to be one of the world's best regardless of whether or not he can beat opponents in a foot race.

In fact, Murphy hit the nail on the head when he said it's only a problem when he's not being helped by those around him. Once Newcastle build a midfield around him that's of a similar level,, he will only get better.

As for Murphy comparing himself to Bruno? Go and sit in a dark room and think about what you've done, mate.