Joelinton is one of the ‘main reasons’ why Newcastle have moved away from relegation danger according to Rio Ferdinand.
The Brazilian has had a season to remember in the North East, going from £40million flop to midfield destroyer.
Eddie Howe’s arrival signalled the start of Joelinton’s resurgence, and it has also taken the Magpies away from the bottom three and into the top half.
It’s been a remarkable 2022 for Newcastle. We started the year in the relegation zone, and now we’re 10th with three games to go. It’s incredible what Howe has done, and it hasn’t all been down to the money spent.
Rio Ferdinand full of praise for Joelinton
Speaking on the Vibe With Five podcast on YouTube, Ferdinand named Joelinton the most improved Premier League player this season.
“Since Eddie Howe came into that club he’s been absolutely rejuvenated,” he said.
“And he’s played multiple positions. I’ve seen him play in midfield, centre-midfield. They bought him as a Brazilian number nine by the way. Now he’s playing left-wing.
“He’s got four goals and one assist this year. His work ethic…we spoke to Eddie Howe the other day before the game. Off screen, I’ve spoken to Eddie about him and he was saying he epitomises what he wants in his players.
“He’s come in, he’s worked hard, got his head down and asked: ‘What do you need from me? What do you want from me? I will do it.’ He’s going out there and performing to a tee.
“He’s carrying out all of the instructions with no questions asked, going out there and putting it all on the line. He’s one of the main reasons why Newcastle have jumped from where they were.”
Ferdinand could easily just have pointed at the money spent
Ferdinand isn’t too popular with Newcastle fans. Considering he’s one of the Premier League’s best ever centre-backs, some of his defending of Mike Ashley was incredibly questionable.
The Man United legend once suggested that Toon fans should buy the club themselves if they’re that unhappy…because that was a logical solution, wasn’t it Rio?
But now the club has been taken over, and the new owners spent £93million in January to bring in five new players. A lot of outsiders are saying Newcastle have bought survival, but that’s a narrowminded approach.
With all due respect to Ferdinand, fans wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d said the same thing.
But instead he has praised the renaissance of Joelinton, and fair play to him. He’s absolutely spot on too – it’s staggering to see what they 25-year-old has become.
His versatility has been pivotal, but he looks to have found a home in the centre of midfield. He’s bought into the new manager’s methods and is getting better and better, and ensure he has a future at St James’ Park.
Joelinton is without a doubt the most improved player in the Premier League this season.
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