Joelinton looks a player reborn under Eddie Howe, impressing in a makeshift midfield role this season. The 25-year-old was initially signed by Newcastle United to lead the line and get among the goals, but he was never prolific enough and now looks better suited to playing in the middle of the park.
Joelinton started the campaign as a centre-forward and inverted winger, but he’s been an attacking-midfielder since mid-December and hasn’t looked back. Operating alongside Joe Willock and Isaac Hayden, the uncapped Brazilian is a perfect fit.
Joelinton is adept at turning over possession and dominant in the air while frequently creating chances for teammates and being expert at driving with the ball from deep. Stephen Warnock was full of praise for the 25-year-old, calling him “unbelievable” and “quality”.
He said on Sky Sports’ The Football Show: “That midfield (have a) trio which you would never have (chosen). And you would (never) have said Joelinton would be running games. He has been unbelievable in that position and showcased a different quality to him.”
Joelinton has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal with one assist. In his last nine league outings, the 25-year-old has made 39 tackles, 11 interceptions, nine chances, 14 successful dribbles while blocking six shots and winning nine freekicks.
Joelinton was regarded as an expensive flop due to scoring only 11 goals in 105 games since his £40m move to Newcastle, but he’s now a brilliant midfielder with a bright future in the North-East.
In other news, Noel Whelan says Newcastle man was ‘brilliant’ against West Ham United
