Bruno Guimaraes named the best outfield player outside the Premier League big six

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been voted the best outfield player outside the Premier League 'big six' by fans.

The tireless Brazilian midfielder, who has been a nothing short of a revelation since his highly-anticipated £40m move from Lyon in January, is one of Europe's most in-form players at present.

To put his importance into perspective, Newcastle's win rate drops from 58 percent to 21 percent when the 24-year-old misses out.

And from an individual point of view, Guimaraes features in the top 20 percentile in 12 of the 20 key statistics ranked by football database FBREF.

The fact that he's currently in the top 2 percent for tackles made [3.49 per 90 minutes] says everything you need to know.

The Brazilian has become a fan favourite with Toon fans after helping the club climb to fourth in the league, but many others are starting to wake up to his brilliance. Take this recent poll, for example.

When we asked the question, 'Who is the best outfield player outside the Premier League big six' to our Twitter followers on Friday night, the name Bruno Guimaraes was a popular one.

To many, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are currently considered as the 'big six' in England's top flight.

After an hour went by, we then decided to create a four-man poll based on the most popular replies. Leicester midfielder James Maddison featured alongside West Ham captain Declan Rice and Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.

A total of 12,490 people voted in the poll and Guimaraes would come out top with 43.2 percent of the vote.

As well as being the creative outlet and engine room in Eddie Howe's Newcastle team, the midfielder has the heart of a lion.

Last month, he produced one of his best performances of the season against Spurs after two days without sleep.

An exhausted Guimaraes gave an insight into his week by posting a picture of his new baby son, Matteo.

"This is for you guys," he wrote on Twitter. "Two days without sleep could be at home but I always wanted to be here with you! Thanks for the support and a kiss from Matteo to you!! He is Brazilian Geordie."

After the tweet was posted, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe spoke to the media about Bruno's dedication.

"He's kept that quiet from me," he smiled. "I knew about one night but not about two! It wouldn't have changed my decision as he's so pivotal to what we do. He's given his heart and soul to club. It was one of his best performances."

Do you think Bruno Guimaraes is the best outfield player outside the Premier League big six?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.