Newcastle United star Joelinton continues to show fantastic form under Eddie Howe – and may be proving a move for Yves Bissouma was never really necessary.
The Brazilian has been a man reborn this season, and has undoubtedly reached a totally different level under the new manager.
To be fair, he was actually one of the standout players under Steve Bruce this term.
But now, he is consistently impressive for the Magpies.
This new midfield role appears to suit him extremely well. His physicality and ability to protect the ball are at times a sight to behold.
He has fully become a bona fide box-to-box midfielder, who is also a fantastic ball-winner.
And following his latest display against Aston Villa at the weekend, The Other 14 have released some tackles and interceptions data.
Remarkably, Joelinton is now currently sitting seventh for ‘tackles and interceptions per 90’ of non-Big Six players.
He has made 54 tackles this season, and 24 interceptions for a combined total of 78.
That is seriously impressive considering he began the season playing in forward positions.
It’s also interesting to note that he’s actually only made one less tackle and interception combined than Bissouma.
Bissouma was a player Newcastle reportedly wanted to sign last month.
In the end, no move materialised after it was claimed Brighton wanted £50 million to sell the Mali midfielder.
Joelinton may be showing Newcastle never really needed Bissouma
Joelinton has played around 300 more minutes than Bissouma this term.
But as mentioned previously, the Brazilian spent a good chunk of the season operating higher up the pitch.
It’s only in the last few months that the former Hoffenheim ace has transitioned into something of a midfield destroyer.
Maybe there was never a realistic chance of Newcastle signing Bissouma last month.
But Joelinton is undoubtedly showing right now that there is no need for any regrets over the Brighton star.
FBref data indicates Bissouma is a slightly more accurate passer than the South American. But Newcastle have the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and now Bruno Guimaraes who are more about that kind of thing.
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