Alan Shearer believes it was “unfair” of Newcastle United to hand Joelinton the number nine shirt following his club record move from Hoffenheim, feeling he was never a centre-forward and didn’t enjoy playing up top.
Speaking to NUFC TV, our record goalscorer has praised the Brazilian for ‘never hiding’ when times got tough, feeling he and Eddie Howe deserve huge praise now he’s gone from £40m flop who couldn’t hit a barn door to bulldozing midfielder.
Shearer also spoke highly of Bruno Guimaraes during the same interview, believing the former Lyon man can play a ‘leading role’ in this exciting new era at Newcastle United.
He’s also been impressed by his “aggression”, range of passing and connection with the crowd – three things that stood out during his man of the match display against Wolves last Friday.
Here’s what big Al has had to say about both, starting with his comments on Guimaraes; who he selected in his latest Premier League Team of the Week just yesterday!
Shearer on Bruno Guimaraes:
“I’ve been really impressed with him.
“I think he can play a leading role in where Newcastle go over the next few years.
“He couldn’t get in the team to begin with because of the form other players were in.
“But I’m pretty sure he will be a regular for years to come, if he wants to to stay here and play a part, which I’m sure he does.
“I like everything that I see about him. I like his aggression. I like his his passing ability, and he seems to enjoy this environment.
“He seems to have enjoyed the reception that he’s had here from Newcastle fans.
“They like what they’ve seen already, so long may that continue.”
Shearer on Joelinton:
“Yeah, I always, always felt it was really difficult for him personally, because I never felt he was a number nine.
“I felt it was unfair.
“The fee, giving him the number [nine] and, also, I never felt he was a he was a centre forward.
“I didn’t feel he wanted to play that role.
“He never shied away and I think that’s why he gets the respect from the fans that he has done because he never shied away from anything – he never hid.
“He always wanted to make himself available on the pitch and I think that’s why the fans appreciate who and what he is now.
“So for him to go from where he was, to where he is now and playing such a major part in what Newcastle do in that midfield role, he deserves a huge amount of credit.
“Not only him but Eddie for actually giving him that freedom and that ability to go and do that.“
