Dion Dublin praises ‘influential’ Joelinton for upturn in form

Newcastle United drew 1-1 with West Ham United on Saturday and Joelinton put in a fine performance at the London Stadium. The 25-year-old was given a player rating of 7/10 by Dominic Scurr of Shields Gazette and Dion Dublin praised him on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In quotes reported by The Boot Room, he said: “In his early days at Newcastle Joelinton looked lost. He was up there on his own and told to play as the number nine. He didn’t fit the way they were trying to play.”

Joelinton joined Newcastle on a six-year deal from TSG Hoffenheim in 2019 and has gone on to make 105 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals with eight assists.

The 25-year-old hadn’t hit double figures for league goals in a season before his move to Newcastle and has been even more short of goals since coming to England – two goals in 38 Premier League games (2019/20), four goals in 31 PL games (2020/21) and one goal in 23 PL games (2021/22).

Joelinton’s switch to midfield has seen him produce the best performances of his career. The uncapped Brazilian has created 20 chances, had 28 successful dribbles and averaged a tackle (55) or interception (24) every 20 minutes this season.

Dublin added: “He’s got a bit more time on the ball in central midfield. He can pick a pass and he’s big and strong. He’s making that role look easy and he’s influencing games now.”

Joelinton looks rejuvenated under Eddie Howe and now stands a chance of seeing out his contract in the North-East.

In other news, Frank McAvennie says Chris Wood ‘won’t start games’ next season