Speaking on the Pod on the Tyne podcast, George Caulkin has praised Joelinton – while slamming Newcastle United’s decision to spend £40 million on the striker.
Joelinton, who cost the club £40 million, was signed in the summer of 2019 and handed the No 9 shirt. So, instantly there was a huge amount of weight on his shoulders and that has shone through, with his goal record over the last two seasons standing at just 10 in all competitions.
Is Joelinton a flop?
Yes!
No!
The Brazilian has also publicly been labelled by Steve Bruce as ‘more a team player‘ than a striker, and this season he had not started a league game until Callum Wilson got injured.
However, his performance against Leeds United left Caulkin impressed, although he still didn’t forget the fact that the Magpies willingly shelled out £40 million for someone who had only scored seven goals in 29 Bundesliga games prior to joining Newcastle.
When asked for a reason to be cheerful amid another league game passing by without victory, Caulkin was very much impressed by Joelinton’s all-around game against Leeds, while also blasting Newcastle’s transfer decision.
“I wouldn’t normally say this, because I do think that the shooting bit is the most important, but I do think he made a positive contribution to the team, and I think without him, they would have struggled.
“He did have some physicality, he put himself about, I think he offered himself and I think he caused Leeds some problems, so I will say him because I’ve given him a lot of stick.
“I mean, not because I think he’s a terrible human being, I blame the club for this 100% – I don’t blame him for it. But I thought he actually played very well, so I’m going to say Joelinton is a reason to be cheerful.”
TIF Thoughts on Joelinton…
It appeared that Joelinton was confident enough to be getting on the ball and willingly wanting to receive it, as he amassed 53 touches through the game – the third-most of any Newcastle player, which will have done his confidence the world of good.
However, despite Joelinton’s numbers, or the lack of which he’s registered for Newcastle, it can’t ever be forgotten that someone at the club thought he was worth £40 million and willingly put that price tag and pressure on his shoulders. Even his WhoScored ratings in the Premier League do not make for great viewing, with his highest score coming last season with a 6.75 rating.
It’s a battle that Joelinton has on his hands at Newcastle to get consistent game time, however, this is certainly his time to come good. The Brazilian has just under four years left on his contract, and with Callum Wilson currently out injured, this could be one of his last chances to prove himself.