Eddie Howe has made a host of changes at Newcastle United but one of the most striking has been converting Joelinton to a central midfielder.
The Brazilian has discussed that alteration with the Telegraph, having scooped Newcastle’s player of the month award for February.
He also hailed the improvements that Howe has made to training, which are paying off as Newcastle remain unbeaten in the Premier League in 2022.
“The only time I recall playing as a central midfielder was in Austria and it didn’t go well at all. I was sent off that day in the Vienna derby. So for it to have worked now, it’s because other things have also clicked,” he said.
“But unlike what other people may assume, I hadn’t been training in that position before I was first used during the match against Norwich [a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park]. It happened that game, then again versus Leicester and, from then on, Eddie moved me there. We didn’t have a chat to discuss it.
“It was not a big deal for me anyway. I’ve always been a team player, have always put the team first and done what’s best for it. Perhaps, some other striker with more ego wouldn’t have accepted it because he’s supposed to score goals and doesn’t like to defend, but that has never been an issue.
“Eddie has said a few times that he sees in me a player who’s able to perform other roles. He’s a great manager and, since his arrival, he’s made a lot of changes, especially in training sessions, which are more intense now. And that’s important because you play the way you train. If you train hard, you will play like that.”
Joelinton of course missed the midweek win at Southampton with injury.
He was a shock absentee but Newcastle have such great momentum that they have soaked up injuries to key players lately and kept on getting results.
Bruno Guimaraes benefitted from his countryman’s absence and scored a stunning winner but Newcastle need Joelinton back as soon as possible given his stunning displays under Howe.
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