Speaking to Sky Sports after Newcastle United’s draw with Manchester United, Sean Longstaff has come out to bat for his teammate, Joelinton.
It’s no secret that Joelinton has had a tough time since he’s come to England.
The Brazilian has been the butt of many a joke since he arrived at Newcastle, and even Alan Shearer has struggled to defend the Brazilian.
However, in recent weeks, we’ve seen something of a renaissance in Joelinton’s Premier League career.
Indeed, he’s reinvented himself as a midfielder, and he’s been absolutely exceptional.
He’s earned plenty of praise, and Longstaff has used this as an opportunity to hit out at the fans and pundits who have doubted the £40m man.
What’s been said about Joelinton?
Longstaff touched on the criticism Joelinton has received in the past, and it’s fair to say he wasn’t happy.
“We know how good Joelinton is and the disrespect he gets is a disgrace,” Longstaff said
“He’s shown since the manager came in what he’s been like in training. Everyone at the club rates him so highly. The noise from outside is so disrespectful and if you watch him enough you see how good he is.”
Togetherness
Regardless of your view on Joelinton and his performances over the past two-and-a-half years, it has to be said that it’s great to see Longstaff sticking up for his teammate.
It would be so easy for Newcastle’s players to turn on each other right now. After all, they’re in the relegation places and many of them will likely be replaced in January, but it seems as though Eddie Howe has cultivated a strong atmosphere in the dressing room.
There’s seemingly a real togetherness within the Newcastle squad right now, and that’s exactly what they need if they’re going to get out of the mess that they’re in.
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