There can’t have been a single Newcastle fan who wasn’t happy to see Joelinton score on Sunday.
The 23-year-old’s struggles so far this season need no further comment, and his miss in the first half was woeful, up there with his worst moments in a black and white shirt. It was so bad it even had me agreeing with Graeme Souness, as the poor lad just didn’t know what to do and looked like he didn’t want to be there.
He has however been on the receiving end of some huge praise from former Newcastle player, John Barnes who claims the big Brazilian ‘doesn’t get the credit he deserves’ for his unselfish work on and off the ball.
Some may find these comments controversial, but, for me, Barnes hits the nail on the head when talking about the former Hoffenheim forward.
Here’s what he’s had to say, comparing him to unselfish Everton striker fellow handful Dominic Calvert-Lewin:
“I think Joelinton is similar to Dominic Calvert-Lewin because every time I see him play, he’s working really hard, holding the ball up.
“He’s not scoring goals but [he’s] not really getting the credit he deserves because he’s doing so much for the team.
“I’m pleased he’s got that goal because he did come with a big reputation.”
Despite the horrendous miss, his all round performance was very good on Sunday. Some of his hold up play was outstanding, his movement was good and he won the physical battle with John Egan which resulted in the former Sunderland defender getting a red card.
His goal was also quality, a brilliant team goal. The little touch from Saint Maximin into his path, his through ball to Miggy, then he bust a gut to get into the box which we haven’t seen enough of this season. The change in formation is certainly helping him as other players, particularly Almiron are able to get in and around him.
Hopefully he can take some confidence and have a good end to the season, starting with another goal against Villa tomorrow night!
