Right, let’s be honest, when Joelinton rocked up on Tyneside as a supposed number nine, there were more than a few raised eyebrows.

A record signing, tasked with banging in the goals? It felt like a square peg in a round hole, didn’t it?

But fast forward a few seasons, and the Brazilian has not just found his niche, he’s become the very pulse of this Newcastle United side, a midfield linchpin so unique, so vital, that replacing him would be akin to trying to find a Geordie who doesn’t love Alan Shearer – nigh on impossible.

Under Eddie Howe’s astute guidance, the transformation of Joelinton into a midfield behemoth has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s gone from a player often maligned and, let’s face it, a bit lost, to the undisputed engine of this Newcastle team. And while the likes of Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali rightly grab the headlines with their flair and creativity, it’s the understated brilliance of Joelinton that often knits it all together.

What makes him so irreplaceable?

Well, it’s the sheer blend of attributes that the big man brings to the table. He’s got the physicality of a seasoned centre-half, capable of winning aerial duels and shielding the back four with impressive authority.

But don’t let the size fool you; there’s a surprising deftness of touch and an intelligent reading of the game that allows him to break up play, intercept passes, and then, crucially, drive forward with the ball at his feet.

Think about it. How many midfielders in the Premier League possess that combination of raw power, tactical awareness, and surprising technical ability? You’d be hard-pressed to name more than a handful, and none of them quite offer the same specific package that Joelinton brings to this Newcastle setup.

He’s the guy who can win a crunching tackle in his own half, then ten seconds later be powering into the opposition box, causing chaos with his presence. He’s the one who can slot into a deeper role when needed, offering defensive solidity, or push further forward to support the attack and link up with the forwards. That versatility, that willingness to do the dirty work alongside the more glamorous stuff, is absolutely priceless.

You see other midfielders who are excellent passers, or brilliant dribblers, or tenacious tacklers. But Joelinton? He’s a bit of everything, and that’s what makes him such a rare commodity.

When he’s missing, the midfield just doesn’t quite function with the same fluidity and robustness. There’s a noticeable void, a lack of that commanding presence that can dictate the tempo and wrestle control of the game.

Of course, every player has their weaknesses, but the progress Joelinton has made in refining his game, particularly his discipline and decision-making, has been immense. He’s become a more consistent performer, a player that Howe can rely on week in, week out to deliver a high level of performance.

So, while he may not be the best midfielder that Eddie Howe has at his disposal, he might just be the most irreplaceable.