Plenty of Newcastle United supporters have been debating whether Joelinton has the ingredients to be considered a key figure for the Magpies as statistics emerged about his overall impact on the team.
A Newcastle supporter took to Twitter to defend the Brazilian revealing stats which show he has the joint-most assists, second-most shots and third most successful dribbles per game in their squad.
https://twitter.com/ScoutNUFC/status/1333361815745679360
Joelinton has been a divisive figure at St James’ Park since his club-record £40m move from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2019. The forward has undoubtedly struggled in front of goal, registering just two league goals last term and missing eight big chances (Sofascore). That form saw Alan Shearer insist that the 24-year-old ‘is not a centre forward’ and he blamed the club’s recruitment team for the decision to buy him.
However, Shearer has also suggested that the Magpies have ‘royally shafted’ him by placing the pressure of being the club’s number nine on his shoulders. The arrival of Callum Wilson in the summer has taken some of the scoring burden away from the Brazilian and he has shown in wins against Burnley and Crystal Palace that he can link up well with the 28-year-old former Bournemouth man.
Against Crystal Palace last Friday, Joelinton was heavily involved in what was an upturn in performance levels, having 65 touches of the ball and scoring once and providing an assist. He also won four tackles and recorded three efforts on target, although he lost possession 21 times and missed a couple of presentable opportunities. (Sofascore)
Newcastle fans debate Joelinton’s importance
Some Magpies fans were keen to suggest that his season’s average indicate his value to the side and that he can be an important figure, while others remain unconvinced over his ability.
Been having this debate throughout the season. I like him and think he will be brilliant.
— Chris Dodds (@Cdodds89) November 30, 2020
No just that he’s absolutely not a winger or a lone centre forward – which is where the manager insisted on playing him
He’s played two games behind Wilson and looked decent. Doesn’t make all of the other terrible performances go away but it’s clear he’s been used badly https://t.co/bMxboAZTGW
— Alex Hurst (@tfalex1892) November 30, 2020
https://twitter.com/SamLennon21/status/1333400468979113986?s=19
Still staggering he played well against Burnley and then was put on wing against man united… not sure what Bruce was thinking. Should get a good run at 10 now and had an opportunity to excel, no excuses. Bruce can then work out Fraser/Almiron/ASM and his team
— Ben (@Bengn87) November 30, 2020
Said it before and I’ll say it again, if he was a clinical finisher he wouldn’t be playing for us. Excellent in transition of play, ball progression and link-up play.
Don’t think there’s been a player I’ve wanted to see succeed as much as Joelinton #NUFC https://t.co/qIOaLkeVhL
— Callum Irving (@NUFCIrving1010) November 30, 2020
I do think there’s a player there Alex. With the right system and coaching(hah) we’ll see more positive performances.
The most pleasing thing is he seems determined to try and make it work here. He got a bit petulant at times last season but his attitude on Friday was class.
— B (@Axcrazy1) November 30, 2020
He has to put together a run of games where he is having these sort of performances on a regular basis. Fullbacks can get away with being solid and doing their jobs. Goals and assists are what he will be judged on, I hope he keeps it up. #NUFC
— GeordieBootBoy (@elmarcosmasonos) November 30, 2020
