Kieran Dyer was full of praise for Joelinton's remarkable transformation from 'waste of money' to 'key ingredient.' The former Newcastle United midfielder claims the Magpies need a player like the Brazilian in the heart of midfield.
Joelinton has been one of Newcastle's standout performers this season after moving into a deeper role. The £40million signing has shown he has what it takes to play a part in the Magpies team moving forward.
Eddie Howe has transformed the striker into a ball-winning midfielder and one that has been a 'breath of fresh air' according to Dyer. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "I’ve been on here numerous time saying I thought he was a waste of money. He’s been an absolute breath of fresh air for Newcastle and he’s been one of the key ingredients to their team because they need a player like that. Fair play to him."
READ MORE: Allan Saint-Maximin's brilliant response to Gallowgate End chants ahead of Leicester clash
Jamie Redknapp was in agreement with his fellow pundit, claiming he never saw Joelinton as a midfielder. He added: "I’ve got to be honest, I never saw him as a midfielder. In front of goal, he couldn’t really finish and he struggled.
"They played him in wide areas and he couldn’t find a position. That’s football. You always have the pressure when you play for a big club. For him to become a midfield player, a box-to-box, I just didn’t see it.
"If he gets on top of you and starts to use his strength, it’s hard to stop. He’s got that power and physicality that not many midfield player possess. He can drive with the ball 20-30 yards. It’s been brilliant style of play by Eddie Howe, it really has."
