It did not take Eddie Howe long. The Newcastle United head coach knew after just a few days in charge that Joelinton was going to be a 'huge player' for him, but never in a million years did he imagine the Brazilian would end up in the middle of the park.
However, that all changed little more than a year ago when defender Ciaran Clark was sent off after just nine minutes in Newcastle's crucial relegation clash against Norwich City. That was the night that Howe saw a different side to Joelinton at St James' Park after the 26-year-old dropped into midfield.
What has played out over the last 12 months has been nothing short of astounding and has rightly seen Joelinton nominated for Newcastle United fans’ footballer of the year award. A player once derided as a £40m flop, who had struggled to find a role in this side under the previous manager, has been reborn as a combative destroyer.
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However, those words do not do Joelinton justice. This is an intelligent footballer who Howe has rightly been keen not to pigeonhole in one position because of his versatility.
If Newcastle need a diligent tracker on the left wing, for instance, Joelinton can fulfil that role as he did in recent wins against Spurs and Chelsea. In fact, Joelinton has played in midfield, on the left, behind the centre forward and even up front at times under Howe and filled in wherever he has been needed to help the team. Joelinton fulfilled similar briefs in a previous era, but the difference now is the fans' favourite has the detail and belief he needs to truly thrive in a variety of positions.
Most impressively, rather than sulk, as some players do when they are played out of position, Joelinton has instead embraced life in midfield and worked at it not only with Howe's staff after training but in his own time, too, with his team of specialists. These include personal analyst Diego Vieira, who helped prepare a dossier for the 26-year-old when he first started playing in this role. This video package was informed by Howe's demands in training and, also, by how Bournemouth's midfield functioned with and without the ball during the Newcastle head coach's time in charge.
Physically, too, Joelinton has worked on his game. Having once been shaken by the cut and thrust of the Premier League in the first few months of his Newcastle career, Joelinton is rarely pushed over these days. As Felipe Lira, his fitness coach, previously told ChronicleLive: "He's been so dedicated and interested in improving his performance."
Those improvements have been reflected in the data. Name a stat and chances are Joelinton is in the top five at Newcastle or even leading the way this season. Joelinton has even completed more dribbles (18) than any of his team-mates - that includes Allan Saint-Maximin - and his defensive numbers are striking.
No other Newcastle player has made more blocks (24) or tackled more players (33) than Joelinton; only defenders Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar have made more interceptions than the Brazilian's 16; and you won't find another midfielder or forward at the club who has made anywhere near as many clearances (18).
You can see why Joelinton has become a firm fans' favourite - even inviting a supporter who got his face tattooed on his stomach over to his home - and that bond has only been strengthened in the last year. Who could forget Joelinton sprinting the length of the field after scoring to celebrate with the away end at Brentford? Or how Joelinton was the last man to leave the pitch at Carrow Road when supporters repeatedly sang: 'He's Brazilian. He only cost £40 million. We think he's f------ brilliant! It's Joe-lin-ton.'
All our nominees have had their moments but when it comes to games played, consistency and, well, a redemption story like no other, Joelinton gets my vote.
You can cast your vote for the Premier League winner and the Newcastle winner in the form above or here.
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