Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes one Toon player deserves special praise for their performance against Chelsea.
The Magpies beat Chelsea 2-0 to advance in the Carabao Cup, setting up a quarter final tie at home to Brentford.
Newcastle United are up for the cup once again, with Joe Willock playing very well on just his fourth start of the season. Elsewhere, Sandro Tonali had his best Newcastle game ever, with Howe deploying him as a ‘six’ rather than an ‘eight’. That change seemed to really help Tonali, who flourished in his new role.
Howe loves players who are versatile, and that is why he believes that Joelinton deserves all of the plaudits following Newcastle’s win on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe blown away by ‘special’ Joelinton performance against Chelsea
Following the 2-0 win over Chelsea, Howe spoke to the Shields Gazette.
The Newcastle United manager was blown away with Joelinton’s performance, especially given the fact that he had to play in multiple positions during the game.
“I have to say a special well done to Joelinton today.” he said.
“His versatility is just incredible, he’s such a bonus for us to be able to play him wide left, wide right, wingback, brilliant performance.”
Eddie Howe asked about Joelinton’s best position
Howe also spoke to the Northern Echo about Joelinton, and admitted that he would struggle to pin down what his best position is.
“He’s not your conventional winger,” he said.
“He’s a hybrid of different qualities, but plays the position brilliantly for me. He always has done.
“If someone said to me, ‘What’s Joelinton’s best position’, I’d struggle to give you one answer. That’s a brilliant thing for me to have within the squad, but sometimes when you pick a team, it’s not just about having a player in a certain position, it’s about the relationships that they form around them.
“It’s the understanding, and bringing the best out of other players. I thought Joelinton and Joe Willock did that together.”
What Newcastle must do with Joelinton after Chelsea display
There was so much to admire about Joelinton’s performance against Chelsea. The only thing that was missing was a goal, with the Brazilian hitting the post early on after a beautiful cross from Alexander Isak.
Newcastle looked so much more comfortable with Joelinton on the left wing. He added solidity and strength to that side, while it allowed him to reignite his relationship with Joe Willock.
Joelinton and Willock dovetailed brilliantly down the left, just like they did when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League. They have a great understanding and appreciation of each other’s game, and it is a tactic that Howe needs to rely on more.
After the Chelsea game, it is clear that Joelinton is better used on the wing. He gives Newcastle real balance, while it allows Howe to bring another exciting midfielder into his XI.
While Howe is unable to pinpoint what Joelinton’s best position is, it feels like right now that he should be a winger, rather than a centre-midfielder.
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