Jonjo Shelvey has told the Beautiful Game Podcast that Joelinton really impresses him in Newcastle United training.
Joelinton has endured a difficult first season at St. James’ Park, where he has failed to live up to expectations.
Newcastle broke their club record transfer fee on the Brazilian forward last summer, but he has scored just once in the Premier League all campaign.
Many pundits and supporters have expressed concerns over Joelinton’s quality, with the 23-year-old seemingly lacking a goalscoring instinct.
But Shelvey has confidence that his Newcastle teammate can turn things around, if a bit more faith is shown in him.
“When you’re bought for that much money and you don’t start scoring goals like that people are going to get on your back, but you should see what he does in training – he scores goals,” Shelvey said.
“When he first signed in pre-season he was running channels, holding up the ball, getting in behind.
“I still think he’s a very good player. I think the people criticising him need to chill out a bit and let him find his feet.
“He’s a man-mountain, he’s massive, he’s strong as an ox.
“He will become a top striker in this league. I’ve played with Torres and Suarez and people like that. I’m not saying he’s in that league, but he’s got the potential to go on and do things.”
Joelinton is one of the few Newcastle players who may not benefit from the takeover going through.
If the Magpies do have new owners then a new number nine will surely be very high up on their shopping list for their first summer transfer window at the helm, given their side’s goalscoring issues this term.
And Joelinton could find his first-team chances limited next term, unless he can hit some scoring form when the Premier League returns.
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