Eddie Howe has transformed Joelinton’s fortunes at Newcastle United.
When Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as Newcastle United manager, it looked like the Magpies had thrown £40million down the drain.
Joelinton was not the superstar he is today, having struggled to make an impact at St James’ Park. He absolutely was not a goalscorer, with Bruce finding it difficult to get a tune out of a man who was Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever at the time.
Getting the best out of the Brazilian handed Eddie Howe an immediate challenge, alongside all of the other issues he inherited following his appointment as manager.
However, Howe quickly saw something in Joelinton.
Eddie Howe made a Joelinton prediction in November 2021
On November 19th 2021, Howe spoke to the media ahead of his first game as Newcastle United manager.
Having started to get to know his players in training, Howe made a big prediction about Joelinton on the eve of that first game against Brentford at St James’ Park.
“I think he can be a huge player for us,” he said in November 2021.
“From what I’ve seen in training he’s a technical player with very good feet and he’s intelligent.
“Unlocking that talent and ability are things I’m going to make assessments on but he’s got a big part in our future here.”
Joelinton has proved Eddie Howe right
After only watching him a few times in training, Howe knew that Joelinton had something special. He knew the talent was there – it just needed to be unlocked.
That has certainly happened since then, with Joelinton transforming into arguably Newcastle’s most valuable player.
We have seen that this season, with the 28-year-old playing in multiple positions. Jamie Carragher praised Joelinton’s flexibility in the draw with Manchester City, while the Brazil international is now being used as a winger.
He scored a decisive goal on the right of attack against Forest, while Joelinton’s partnership down the left with Joe Willock can also be devastating.
With good coaching, Joelinton has proved he really was worth £40million – just not as a striker. But the talent was there, and Howe has found a way to make use of his ability.
Whether it is as a midfield enforcer or a winger, Joelinton is always the man for the occasion. Joelinton’s versatility makes him so special, and he has become the huge player that Howe said he would three years ago.
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