Joelinton proved why he is Newcastle United’s player of the year last night against Arsenal.
The Brazilian was named in the starting XI just hours after receiving the end of year award, and justified the decision with a fantastic performance.
He was named in midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff, and the trio dominated a shell-shocked Arsenal side.
We were aggressive in our pressing, and no one embodied that more than Joelinton.
The 25-year-old covered every cliched blade of grass, and used the ball well. He also played a pivotal role in the opening goal of the game, surging down the left before his cross was diverted in by Benjamin White.
It was a perfect night for Newcastle, and a night that Joelinton deserved. His turnaround has been beautiful to witness, and he is now a fan favourite.
Toon fans loved his performance, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was full of praise for the Samba star.
Jamie Carragher on Joelinton
After the game, Carragher spoke glowingly about Joelinton and his transformation.
“Putting Joelinton into midfield, who would have thought,” he said on Sky Sports.
“He has now gone into midfield and he still looks like a real player. Newcastle are going to buy and spend and bring players in, but you still think he will be in the heartbeat of this team.
“Credit to him, I must say that, but credit to Eddie Howe because it’s not easy that – turning a striker into a midfielder.”
Hopefully the Joelinton renaissance continues next season
Seeing Joe turn his Toon key around has been one of the highlights of the season for fans – after the transformative takeover, of course.
He’s battled back after such a poor start in a black and white shirt. Huge price tag, number nine shirt, playing in an uncomfortable position in an unknown league, then with the backdrop of living in a new country during a global pandemic.
Everything was stacked against Joelinton, but he’s bounced back this season and found a new role at St James’ Park. He’s the poster boy for what Howe has done, making players better and getting more out of a once struggling squad.
Joelinton truly is the heartbeat of this team, as Carragher says, and hopefully that continues next season. New signings will arrive, but they must match the work rate, desire and adaptability of Joelinton. He has set the standard.
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