It has been a mixed start to the 2024/25 season for Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton.
It began in the best possible way, with Joelinton scoring the winner as 10-man Newcastle United beat Southampton 1-0 at St James’ Park.
Joelinton was incredible against Southampton, and it looked like the start to what would be a wonderful season in black and white for the 28-year-old.
However, the Brazilian has found it a bit tougher since then. His performances have been inconsistent, while Joelinton almost received a red card during the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
Newcastle’s number seven needs to put a solid run of games together, and find the levels of consistency that made him such a star for the Magpies in the past. His transformation under Eddie Howe has been incredible, and there is no reason to be fearful of this stuttering start to the season.
Joelinton wants to be available much more for Newcastle United
From Joelinton’s perspective, the main thing is that he is fit and healthy. That is a contrast to last season, where he missed large portions of the campaign due to injury.
In total, the Brazil international missed 24 games in all competitions, with hamstring and groin issues derailing what should have been an exciting season.
Thankfully, those issues are behind him, and Joelinton has told GQ in an interview that his personal goal for the 2024/25 season is to be healthy and available for selection.
“To be healthy,” he said.
“Last season was difficult, I was away for a long time with injuries.
“So I want to try everything I can to be healthy, to be available and help the team. That’s my goal.”
Newcastle yet to lean into Joelinton’s versatility this season
Joelinton wants availability to be his best ability this season.
But he also boasts flexibility and versatility that Eddie Howe is yet to utilise since the new campaign kicked off.
While Joelinton has become an enforcer in the middle of the park, he can also prove to be dangerous in attack. And with Newcastle failing to sign a winger in the summer, using Joelinton out there is an option for Howe.
Playing Joelinton on the left of attack is something that Newcastle did a lot during the 2022/23 campaign, and Howe will likely lean on his ability to play there later in the season – particularly when Joe Willock is fully fit and free of injury.
For Joelinton, it does not matter where he plays. The main thing is that he is simply fit and available to play.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
