Newcastle: 'Always trying hard' pays off for £40m Magpies star amid huge transformation

Newcastle United ace Joelinton has ‘always put himself forward’ since arriving at the club, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a real transformation in his fortunes in recent months since the arrival of new manager Eddie Howe after struggling to produce his best form on English shores.

Joelinton arrived at Newcastle back in July 2019 after completing a club-record £40 million move from Hoffenheim, putting pen to paper on a six-year contract.

The 6 foot 1 forward had registered 11 goals and nine assists in 35 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit throughout 2018/19, creating much excitement withing the Magpies’ fanbase when his arrival was announced.

However, Joelinton was unable to replicate that sort of form upon his switch to St. James’ Park and made just 17 goal contributions in 80 outings for the Toon Army during 2019/20 and 2020/21.

But the appointment of Howe as Steve Bruce’s successor in the Newcastle dugout in November has sparked a dramatic turnaround in form.

The 44-year-old tactician dropped Joelinton back into a deeper, midfield role, allowing him to utilise his tactical intelligence, physical attributes and technical ability to great effect.

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And Howe has previously spoken about how he has overseen Joelinton’s change in position while also lauding the Brazilian’s ability.

“We’ve continued to develop and work with him on lots of different aspects of his game in that position, and I think his general performances have been so impressive, both with and without possession,” said Howe. “That’s a huge compliment to him.”

Despite Joelinton’s initial struggles, Downie has revealed that the South American