Joelinton’s transformation on Tyneside has been nothing short of sensational.
Many (including myself) felt he was being woefully mismanaged as a lone striker, believing he’d be better as support player or inside forward, however no one predicted he’d go from £40m flop to this bulldozing midfielder who is now winning the ball back more than any other Premier League player.
Tasked with keeping the likes of Coutinho and Buendia quiet on Sunday, the Brazilian did exactly that in what was another dominant display from the 25-year-old.
The club have now released a compilation of his ‘all-action’ performance, highlighting just how important his dirty work was to our 1-0 win over Aston Villa:
These stats are impressive enough, but even more have emerged which highlight just how dominant the big man has been since he reverted to a deeper midfield role.
He only switched positions 14 weeks into the season, yet the statisticians at ‘The Other 14’ reveal that he’s STILL ranks highly when it comes to combined tackles and interceptions.
He averages 4.61 per game, leaving him marginally behind the likes of Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi and Brighton’s Yves Bissouma – which is hugely impressive when he’s spent a high percentage of the season playing much higher up the pitch!
As expected, his numbers over the last five games – which have seen him play in a midfield role – leave him top of the pile!
Has anybody ever seen such a change in a player?
I havent.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I did tell you to stop calling him donkey 😉
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
I was never his biggest critic, I always felt he lacked confidence and Bruce tactics of total isolation up top let him down, but I never seen this transformation coming tbh. These stats are very impressive and while most these players on that list are defenders or holding mids Big Joe up and down the pitch non stop. The man no donkey, he’s a real work horse.
TootsyToon(Quote)
We’ve never seen such a change in a player, and he definitely brings so much to the team now.
But let’s be honest, the odd goal or two wouldn’t go amiss.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)