Newcastle United look to be finally returning the faith of the Saudi owners with their recent performances in the Premier League.
After an initially rocky start under new manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies have certainly hit form who are now unbeaten in their last 10 league games which includes only two draws. Having gone the month unbeaten, Howe has also picked up the February PL Manager of the Month award as well.
Of course, Newcastle’s new recruits have had noteworthy cameo appearances for the team with Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood impressing recently in February fixtures.
After the Saudi takeover was completed, the expectation was that the new signings would form a new era for the club which meant uncertain futures for the existing players at the club.
But the results during these recent fixtures have been made produced primarily by the existing core of players such as Ryan Fraser, Fabian Schar, Joe Willock and of course, Joelinton.
Under Eddie Howe, the latter has seen an incredible transformation, going from a misfiring striker struggling for the form to one of the best midfielders at the club.
He has been quick to pick up the characteristics of a central midfielder which was put up for display against Manchester United in December, which coincidentally also kickstarted their current unbeaten run.
In this current position, Joelinton has averaged a match rating of 7.11 which is a personal best according to whoscored.com.
Joelinton’s rise in prominence within the club has not gone unnoticed by his fellow teammates as right-back Kieran Trippier heaped praise on the Brazilian while on a podcast with local Newcastle supporter and YouTuber, Brian Davis alias True Geordie.
Kieran Trippier comparing Joelinton to Moussa Dembele and how he can be world class🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/fFVBVGI0Nj
“Since I’ve arrived, he’s been unbelievable. He’s powerful, the way he breaks things up…,” shared Trippier based on his experiences from training.
Joelinton has impressed the Englishman to the point that the latter also made comparisons with another talented midfielder and ex-Spurs teammate in Mousa Dembele.
“…he reminds me of Mousa Dembele when I played with him at Tottenham – you can’t get the ball off him. He has the ability to be a world-class player. The gaffer has got him in that position now where he’s like a number 8 where he presses, wins the ball back…he’s aggressive with and without the ball.”
Trippier also commended the player for fighting through all the criticism he received in the past and “showing everyone what a player he can be”.
As Newcastle have managed to climb out of the relegation spots and would be looking to strengthen their place far away from the drop, their newfound midfielder would be pivotal in ensuring that they continue their good form in the Premier League.
