Since Eddie Howe made the decision to play Joelinton as a midfielder, he’s reaped the rewards. The Brazilian has been almost undroppable for Newcastle United and is now a fan favourite.
The stats show that since his switch to centre-midfield he is the only player to win more than 100+ duels in the Premier League. That means he’s ahead of N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Declan Rice. When you consider that for most of his career he’s played as an attacker or a winger, that’s incredible.
Joelinton arrived back in the summer of 2019 for £40million (BBC Sport) from German side Hoffenheim. Initially, it seemed that they overspent on him. But Howe appears to have changed that, but not in a way most Newcastle fans were expecting.
Considering it’s his first season in midfield, Joelinton can get better and better
This is Joelinton’s first season as a midfielder. He can only improve and get better which is an exciting thought. He’s 25-years-old which means he has plenty of time to develop and flourish.
Additionally, his Brazilian teammate Bruno Guimaraes will help him improve. They signed him from Lyon in January and he’s looked immense. The duo could prove to be an important aspect of Newcastle’s midfield.
When Guimaraes equalised against Leicester, the two showed off their dance moves. This conveys the bond they’ve got with one another thus far. It’ll only grow the longer they play together at Newcastle.
Joelinton deserves all the praise he gets for his performances this season. But Eddie Howe also deserves the plaudits he’s gotten. The Toon boss was able to identify the potential of the 25-year-old in midfield.
Howe had hinted when he first arrived that he had plans for Joelinton. But no one would’ve anticipated that this is what would’ve occurred. He’s been one of the Magpies’ key players in a season that has seen them surge up the Premier League table.
Thank goodness for that Ciaran Clark red card against Norwich…