Dominic Scurr of The Shields Gazette, has praised Newcastle midfielder Joelinton for his display in the Magpies’ enthralling back and forth 3-3 draw against Manchester City.
It was a game in which Eddie Howe’s side proved just how good they can be, despite being left disappointed with just the one point in the end. The draw came after Newcastle’s 3-1 lead – given to them courtesy of goals from Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, and Kieran Trippier – was cancelled out by quick fire goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.
It was the performance of Joelinton that impressed Scurr, however, who said in his player ratings: “Joelinton – 8
“Bossed the midfield at times as City struggled to deal with Newcastle. Won the ball back on several occasions to start Newcastle attacks.”
It’s been quite the turnaround for the Brazilian’s Newcastle career, having gone from a struggling striker with just six goals to his name in the 2020/21 season, to a well-rounded midfielder who, according to Scurr, ‘bossed the midfielder a times’ against the Premier League champions.
TIF Thoughts on Joelinton…
Joelinton’s rise as an affective box-to-box midfielder seemingly came out of nowhere, but it remains on of Howe’s greatest pieces of genius to this day. And the game against Man City proved that, as he played a part in a stunning 3-3 draw that Newcastle had every chance of winning.
The Brazilian managed to achieve a passing accuracy percentage of 88 and won five duels, as well as making three tackles, three interceptions and two clearances (SofaScore).
As the Magpies continue with their new era, Howe may just see Joelinton as more and more of a vital player to his side in what is a significant turnaround. Up next for Newcastle in the Premier League is a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they’ll hope to take more than just a point.