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George Bennett

Ally McCoist labels Joelinton's Newcastle United transformation as best he's ever seen

Ally McCoist says he's never seen such a huge transformation of a player than Joelinton at Newcastle United since Eddie Howe arrived at the club.

Joelinton has been handed a new lease of life by Howe, who transformed him from a misfiring striker to a box-to-box midfielder. The Brazilian netted twice in Newcastle's 5-1 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium last week, and played an instrumental role in the Magpies' first goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over Brentford.

Newcastle had been trailing 1-0 when Joelinton surged inside from the right and saw his effort take a telling deflection off David Raya, who was credited with the own goal.

READ MORE: Saint-Maximin's message, Howe's full-time gesture and Toney left panicked in Newcastle win

He has also filled in as a left midfielder in the absence of Allan Saint-Maximin at times this season, and McCoist is delighted to see his remarkable rise under Howe.

"I do not think I've seen a transformation in a player anywhere at anytime that's been better than Joelinton," McCoist told talkSPORT.

He added: "I remember going to watch Newcastle and you actually felt sorry for the lad. He was trying but he couldn't hit the cow on the backside with a banjo.

"It's been brilliant to see. It just shows you how a change of manager [makes such a difference] because he was dropped back, and he was playing him a little bit deeper.

"They are absolutely flying now, and are in pole position for the Champions League."

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