The Brazilian has been integral in the Magpies’ resurgence over the past couple of seasons, becoming something of a terrace idol for the St James’ Park faithful.
Guardiola believes the former Lyon star to be one of the best in his position in Europe and expects him to be a thorn in City’s side in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday early evening.
“He is an exceptional holding midfielder,” said Pep of Guimaraes.
“He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball.
“At set pieces, he’s aggressive and is a real, complete holding midfielder since being at Lyon and now at a club who want to grow up and up.
“I’m sure he’s part of the project for the next years. Definitely.”
The City boss also praised the work of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Injuries have hit the Magpies hard this season and they arrive at the Etihad in tenth spot in the Premier League.
This will be the fourth meeting between the teams this season – and all have been decided by one goal, with City winning the Premier League clash at the Etihad 1-0, the Magpies winning the Carabao Cup clash 1-0 and the Blues edging an exhilarating return league encounter at St James’ Park in January by a scoreline of 3-2.
On Howe, Pep said: “He started the club in a level, like us when we begin, we need support from behind, after the manager, then bring the club.
“Eddie has done it. I’m pretty sure they’ll take lessons for the future to be, every time, closer and closer.”
