Joelinton was once a failing forward for Newcastle United, but now Kieran Trippier believes that the Brazilian is an ‘absolute machine’ in midfield.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in a Toon shirt, and is one of Eddie Howe’s key players after previously struggling under Steve Bruce.
Joelinton has changed position, and it has revitalised a career that looked beyond repair. His £40million move from Hoffenheim has now worked out, and he is someone that Premier League opponents should fear.
Trippier knows just how good Joelinton is, having come up against him in training everyday. He knows exactly how committed he is and how powerful he is – and the 32-year-old is normally the one holding him back when things boil over in the Premier League.
The fiery number seven is a man reborn at St James’ Park, and Trippier has heaped praise on his South American teammate.
Kieran Trippier amazed with Joelinton in Newcastle training
Trippier has appeared on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, and was asked who impresses him the most in training.
“The one player is Joelinton,” he said.
“Honestly, I’ve played with a lot of South Americans over the years and he’s proper 100 percent in training everyday. Unbelievable player, absolute machine.
“The turnaround in his career, from what I’ve heard before the takeover until now is remarkable. But what a player he is.
“He’s got an unbelievable future ahead of him.”
Joelinton trains like he plays
Trippier has hailed Joelinton for how good he is in training, and it translates into incredible performances on the pitch.
That will delight Eddie Howe, as one of his sayings is ‘train as we play’. Joelinton appears to epitomise that.
It is amazing to see how good he is in midfield. He has the tenacity and power to dominate games, while he can also read the play and make vital interceptions. He isn’t just a powerhouse – he’s intelligent too.
Joelinton had to play a different role on Saturday. He was forced to operate as a number six midway through the game due to Bruno Guimaraes’ suspension, and certainly held his own against West Ham star Declan Rice.
Big Joe has proven that last season wasn’t just a flash in the pan – he really is a brilliant midfielder, and his form could earn him a first-ever Brazil callup. He has improved so much, and Trippier believes that he can still get even better.
The right-back thinks that Joelinton has an ‘unbelievable future’ on the horizon, and hopefully that will be in a black and white shirt.
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