Newcastle’s Joelinton is making midfield ‘look easy’ according to Dion Dublin

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Since the arrival of Eddie Howe at Newcastle United, it’s no secret that Joelinton looks like a totally new man. His transition into a centre-midfielder has been astonishing.

Joelinton has won over Toon fans and pundits with his performances. And pundit Dion Dublin has praised the Magpies man for his recent form.

Dublin stated on BBC Radio 5 Live (19/2/22, 12:59): “He was up there on his own and told to play as the number nine. He didn’t fit the way they were trying to play.

“He’s got a bit more time on the ball in central midfield. He can pick a pass and he’s big and strong.

“He’s making that role look easy and he’s influencing games now.”

Joelinton in midfield is like a totally new signing

It was against Norwich where we first saw the Brazilian in midfield. An early red card forced Howe to shuffle his pack, with Joelinton slotting seamlessly into his new role.

Ever since he’s played pretty much every game in that position. Tackling, driving forward, retaining possession – you name it, he does it in midfield. Dublin has been one of many pundits to praise the new Joelinton, and deservedly so.

The man who played under Steve Bruce and the man now playing for Howe are completely different. It does highlight the difference in the quality of coaching between the two.

Newcastle’s midfield three has been totally immense in the last five or so games. Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock all have been transformed by Howe. So much so that new signing Bruno Guimaraes is struggling to get into the starting XI.

Furthermore, Sean Longstaff is another who has failed to break into the side. The Toon boss rates the 24-year-old but other top performers are keeping him out.

The love some Newcastle fans have for ‘J7’ is really heartwarming. On the recent away trip to West Ham, some fans were spotted wearing Joelinton Hawaiian shirts.

Everyone loves an underdog story and that’s what it has been for the Brazilian since the arrival of Eddie Howe. He’s like a new signing playing in a different position and doing it very well. Currently, he’s certainly one of the Magpies’ best performing players.