Andy Carroll believes his former Newcastle teammate Joelinton has been playing out of position.
The duo both joined the Magpies in 2019. Carroll returned to the club on a free, while the Brazilian became the Magpies’ record signing at £40million.
He was given the number nine shirt, but failed to live up to the history of the jersey. With the famous number on his back, Joelinton scored just six Premier League goals.
It was all change this summer, as the 25-year-old passed on the shirt to Callum Wilson. Joelinton became the number seven, which was vacated by the departing Carroll.
The academy graduate recently did an interview with Alan Shearer for the Athletic, and spoke about his departure from St James’ Park.
Carroll calls Joelinton a ‘great finisher’
In a clip played by the Athletic’s Newcastle podcast ‘Pod On The Tyne’, Carroll also praised his former teammate Joelinton – despite his difficulties.
“The way he [Joelinton] plays, I think he’s absolutely brilliant,” Carroll said.
“I think he’s probably been playing out of position as a number nine, I don’t think he really is a number nine, he’s probably out wide.
“You see him in training, he finishes left and right feet, he scores with his head. He’s a great finisher.”
We’re yet to see that finishing ability in a game from Joelinton. He hasn’t featured as much this season, but has started the previous two games.
He’s now playing out wide, and looks much more comfortable. He was excellent against Leeds, providing an assist for Allan Saint-Maximin.
From the way he speaks, Carroll clearly rates the former Hoffenheim man. Hopefully this can be the season where he kicks on, especially with Steve Bruce no longer insisting on playing him out of position.
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