Kevin Campbell says ‘effective’ Joelinton has been ‘surprise package’

Joelinton returned from a groin injury to play a full 90 minutes in Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton and turned in a decent performance, garnering praise from Kevin Campbell who called the 25-year-old ‘a revelation’ in midfield.

Joelinton has missed Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Southampton on March 10 and their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on March 13, but he recovered quickly and was in good enough condition to start from the off. Although not his best showing for the Magpies, the uncapped Brazilian can be happy with his efforts.

Campbell hailed Eddie Howe for getting in right switching Joelinton to midfield, telling Football Insider: “He’s been the real surprise package for me this season. He came to the club as a striker and didn’t really take off as the game’s a bit different in England with your back to goal. All of a sudden, he’s been a revelation in midfield.

“He’s big, athletic, strong – and technically, he’s very good. Fair play to Eddie Howe, he’s spotted something, tweaked it, and now he’s reaping the rewards. You can see that they missed him in there when he was out. He’s got the height and power to be effective in both boxes, too. I think he’s gonna be a brilliant addition now he’s back in that starting lineup.”

Joelinton joined Newcastle from TSG Hoffenheim in 2019 and has gone on to make 108 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals with eight assists. This season, he’s scored just two goals with one assist in 26 Premier League games.

Joelinton had an uncertain future until Howe turned him into a midfielder. After the 25-year-old’s dismal debut season that saw him score just two goals in 38 Premier League games, Callum Wilson was signed from Bournemouth as his replacement.

But Joelinton has