Eddie Howe may have turned Newcastle’s fortunes around this season after taking over in November, but the transformation of Joelinton on Tyneside could be his biggest success yet.
The Magpies have won four of their last five games as part of a seven-match unbeaten run to lift themselves up to 14th in the Premier League and four points above the relegation zone.
And a big reason for that change in success has been the performances from striker-turned-midfielder Joelinton, who has been nothing short of tremendous since playing a role in the middle of the park.
In what was one of the most unlikely scenarios this season, the Brazilian is finally starting to live up to his £40million price tag after making real improvements to the Newcastle side.
And former Magpie Lee Clark believes that the 25-year-old has been the best player under Howe since he took over four months ago, and will only get better with confidence.
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Clark told Chronicle Live : "What he's given to the team since Eddie arrived is fantastic. I think he's been outstanding and if you analysed individual performances since Eddie arrived he is probably the standout player.
"If you looked at the best player since Eddie came in it would probably be Joelinton. Yes the new signings have made an impact but if you looked at each player Joelinton would be top of the list."
The former Hoffenheim striker joined as a big money signing in 2019 but struggled to adapt to the top flight and scored just six goals in 69 Premier League appearances during his first two seasons at the club.
But Joelinton has since proved that he could be utilised in midfield this season and after making his bow in that position during the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on December 16. Neither he nor Howe have looked back.
However, the Brazilian showed he can still provide a threat in attack by scoring in the 2-0 victory over Brentford last week.
And although Clark believes this could start up a goalscoring run for the 25-year-old, he does feel that Joelinton’s priorities now lie elsewhere.
He said: "I hope this goal can be the catalyst for him to go on a run now. But to be honest, I don't think goals are the priority for him any more.
"The performances from midfield have been there for all to see. You'd love another Frank Lampard who could give you 20 goals from midfield but what Joelinton is showing from the middle of the pitch is athleticism and a dynamic presence.
"He's very physical and looking good on the ball. But hopefully the goal at Brentford can give him the boost in confidence.
"What happens when you go on a run you are no longer thinking about opportunities, you just strike the ball or almost pass it into the net - you have little runs like that."
