With Newcastle United now all but safe from relegation to the Championship, Eddie Howe can now start to look toward the summer. There are several players with question marks over their future but perhaps one of the biggest choices Howe has to make is over a player that has arguably had the biggest improvement under his management - Joelinton.
Even as late as November, people were still questioning Joelinton’s role at Newcastle - brought in as a number nine and unable to carry the weight of the shirt, Howe like Steve Bruce before had struggled to get the best out of him. Then came Ciaran Clark’s sending off against Norwich which prompted Howe to move Joelinton into a more defensive role, and neither have looked back since.
The Brazilian has gone from a flop in the eyes of many to one of the most loved in the squad. Fans have been left amazed by the number seven’s transformation from a misfiring striker to a midfielder enforcer.
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It’s fair to say, few saw this coming. And equally fair to note that few would have predicted Joelinton’s good form to continue for so long. For me, aside from Bruno Guimares, he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The January arrival of Guimaraes saw many feel Joelinton would make way - but as it was his form, alongside Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock, kept his fellow countryman out of the side. Guimaraes’ first start at home came earlier this month and having now had a run of games in the XI, there’s no doubting his place in the team.
With Shelvey and Willock also in good form, Howe has been left with a dilemma of who goes into the midfielder alongside Guimaraes. A dilemma which will become tougher if United go and sign another
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