Pundit insists he really wouldn’t want to face £40m Newcastle midfielder

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Pundit Robbie Mustoe has had his say on how difficult it must be to play against Newcastle United star Joelinton after his display against Arsenal.

Newcastle midfielder Joelinton had a great game against the Gunners as he showed his physicality and incredible energy in what was a tightly fought contest in the middle of the pitch.

Robbie Mustoe at NBC has claimed that he “wouldn’t want to play against him in midfield” with the Brazilian showing a lot more fight than his opposition on Saturday evening.

His physicality, however, did not come without controversies as many have suggested that his push on Gabriel in the build-up to the goal should have been deemed as a foul and therefore it should not have stood.

Mustoe says he’d hate to play against Newcastle star Joelinton after Arsenal game

It was certainly a scrappy goal, but one that epitomised the lengths that the players are willing to go to for their manager.

Joe Willock, who had just been brought on, did very well to keep the ball in play before sending in a dangerous ball to Joelinton who did everything he could to keep it in the area.

Arsenal fans may not appreciate it, but it’s earned a huge victory for the Magpies who, after Sunday’s results, are definitely in the mix for a top four finish.

Joelinton: Eddie Howe unlocked a whole new player

Since being moved into midfield by Eddie Howe towards the beginning of his reign, the £40m-man has been a revelation for the Geordies and is a true reflection on the pitch of the passionate fans in St James’ Park.

Speaking on The 2 Robbies Podcast, Mustoe was full of praise for the energy of the whole team but singled out Joelinton as one man who would have hated to play against.

“Just to follow on that point, because we know how Newcastle play, that’s no surprise.

“The atmosphere, that energy, that physicality, I mean Joelinton, I wouldn’t want to play against him in midfield. He’s a big guy, they’ve got tons of physicality everywhere.”

It’s obvious that Newcastle and Howe have identified a certain type of profile to bring in each window and it shows on the pitch with how much each player is willing to fight for each other.

That being said, while they may be physical and aggressive on the pitch, it’s very rare to see any of the players being disrespectful towards their opposition or officials.