Joelinton has become one of the first names on the teamsheet at Newcastle United under Eddie Howe - quite an achievement given that 12 months ago, many fans would have quite gladly seen him depart in the winter transfer window.
The Brazilan returned to the XI against Manchester United after recovering from injury and picked up from where he left off - among the top Toon players when it came to pass accuracy (68%) and tackles (3) and topping the list when it came to duels to won (6). It was a reminder of Joelinton's importance to the side - a roaming midfield who can carry the ball with ease but also put himself about a bit.
Amadou Onana found that out earlier as Newcastle took on Everton at St James' Park earlier this week - Joelinton wiping him out in the middle of the park and getting a caution for the tackle.
Joelinton was in the words of Amazon pundit Andy Townsend 'extremely lucky' not to be shown a second yellow just minutes before the break after wiping out Onana once again. It was clumsy, and while Howe pointed to a knock for the decision to take Joelinton off at half-time, few fans in the stands thought it for anything other than one more mistimed challenge would see Joelinton sent off.
The former Hoffenheim star went off having completed 19 out of 29 passes (66%) - just three less than Sean Longstaff who played the full 90.
Joelinton was replaced by Joe Willock - another who has also improved under the guidance of Howe - and while the former Arsenal man showed glimpses, it did look like Newcastle suffered at the loss of Joelinton in the middle of the park. Joelinton's physical presence, leadership and ability to get box-to-box, is something he has that Willock has not. Joelinton is a voice, seen when Bruno Guimaraes fired a shot wide, Joelinton could be seen furiously punching the floor after wanting the pass from his fellow countryman.
It may seem trivial but that desire for the ball, and confidence to voice displeasure when not getting it, is something top players have. Callum Wilson an example against Everton after Miguel Almiron delayed a pass. But it's also something Joelinton didn't have in the early years of his career. He was timid, seemingly shy, and lacking that killer instinct. He often looked void of confidence and unhappy - head down, quiet. Now he's a force to be reckoned with both for his teammates and opposition.
In truth, Howe's first team when everyone is fit will likely be Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes with Willock or Jonjo Shelvey filling the other spot. The very fact that when Howe has all his options, Joelinton is thought to be a near cert to start, again highlights the change in fortune within the last 12 months.
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