Pundits leapt to the defence of Joelinton’s current form for Newcastle United after Lee Hendrie claimed the Brazilian’s recent form was nothing more than a ‘half-decent spell’.
Speaking on yesterday’s Gillette Soccer Special, the Soccer Saturday crew were discussing Kieran Trippier’s arrival at St James’ Park and the impact Callum Wilson’s injury absence will have on the former Atletico Madrid man.
Trippier possesses excellent crossing ability from the wide areas and set pieces, but with Wilson on the side-lines, the Soccer Saturday crew felt the England right-back won’t have anyone to aim for in the number nine’s absence.
Lee Hendrie believes that Newcastle have struggled to sign goalscorers in recent seasons and alluded to Joelinton’s struggles in front of goal as an example.
Hendrie said: “They brought Joelinton in for £40m. He’s nowhere near double figures for goals or assists, I just don’t get it.”
However, the former Aston Villa midfielder claimed that Joelinton was currently having a ‘half-decent spell’ after being moved into a deeper midfielder role by new manager Eddie Howe.
Responding to Hendrie’s ‘half-decent’ claims, an exasperated Jeff Stelling said: “Half-decent?! Against Manchester United, he was man of the match by a mile.”
Former Tottenham and England defender Michael Dawson felt that Joelinton was a completely different player under Howe now.
Dawson said: “I think since Eddie’s come back in he looks transformed. I watched him before and the money they spent on him, it was mind-blowing how bad he was, but since Eddie’s come in, he has been a revelation and looks physically strong and powerful.”
It’s not the first time that Joelinton’s credibility has been questioned on Sky Sports. Following last month’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United, reporter Patrick Davison said to Joelinton: “Can I be honest? I didn’t realise you were that good.”
This led to some Newcastle United fans condemning Davison’s ‘disrespectful’ comments.
The 25-year-old made his 100th appearance for the Magpies in yesterday’s shock 1-0 defeat to Cambridge United in the FA Cup third-round.
From his century of matches, Newcastle United’s number seven has scored 11 goals and made eight assists.
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