EXCL: Joelinton wants to 'keep it rolling' after midfield revival

Resurgent Joelinton wants to ‘keep it rolling’ after being transformed into Newcastle’s midfield sensation following two-and-a-half years of toil

  • Joelinton was mocked by fans after his £40million move to Newcastle 
  • But a switch to midfield has seen him become almost an overnight sensation
  • He earned high praise for his performance against Manchester United in draw
  • Position is relatively new for Brazilian but he could be key to keeping team up

Joelinton toiled for two-and-a-half years to become an overnight sensation at Newcastle, transformed by a switch from attack to midfield.

The Brazilian has been a figure of fun at times since his £40million move from Hoffenheim, but his outlook has been unflinchingly positive and he is determined to help Eddie Howe’s team win their fight against relegation.

‘I am happy to be at Newcastle,’ Joelinton told Sportsmail. ‘This is what I love to do and I have to be responsible because of it. I will always give my best, in training and on the pitch. 

Joelinton has been excellent for Newcastle in midfield having toiled up front 

‘Eddie trusts my work ethic and this makes me even more comfortable here. He trusts how I play. We’ll overcome this situation.

‘Criticism is a part of the footballer’s job and we have to know how to deal with it. It’s never good to see bad reviews but we know that football is about emotion. The only way I could change anything was to keep playing and giving my best during training and games. It’s so good to receive good messages from our supporters. I just hope to keep it rolling.’

Joelinton earned high praise for his performance in midfield against Manchester United on Monday. Boss Howe hailed his ‘tactical understanding’ and his ‘brilliant’ defensive work. 

The Brazilian has had to work hard to get fans onside following his £40million move 

New midfield partner Sean Longstaff spoke passionately about Joelinton’s quality, branding the criticism ‘disrespectful’ and a ‘disgrace’.

‘This was not my first game as a midfielder,’ said 25-year-old Joelinton (left). ‘Against Norwich and in the second half at Leicester, I was there. But it’s still new for me.

‘I’m doing what the coach asks me and I hope to keep improving. I was happy with our game. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to win it.’

Joelinton is up for the fight against relegation and has a good relationship with Eddie Howe 

Newcastle led for more than an hour against United only to concede a late equaliser while Thursday’s game at Everton is off due to Covid and injuries in Howe’s squad.

They will start the new year in the relegation zone facing a fight to survive despite all the excitement around the Saudi takeover and Mike Ashley’s exit.

‘We can get out of this situation if we keep up this pace,’ added Joelinton. 

‘I’ve always battled a lot to achieve my dreams and I’m humble enough to tell you there’s a lot of work put in every day to be 100 per cent ready for every game.’




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