Kieron Dyer has changed his mind on Joelinton and claimed that the Newcastle United midfielder is now a ‘breath of fresh air’, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (17/04/22 at 2:05 pm).
The former Toon Army star admitted that he previously thought Newcastle’s big-money signing was a ‘waste of money’.
Playing as a centre-forward, Joelinton struggled big time, before Eddie Howe came into the club and transformed his talents.
From a striker that couldn’t hit a barn door, Joelinton has now turned into a hard-hitting midfielder, who is running the show for Howe in the middle of the park.
Huge credit has to go to Howe, his backroom staff and the player himself for this turnaround, as Dyer shared his thoughts on the player.
“100% (he has been a bonus),” agreed Dyer. “I have been on this platform numerous times when he was playing as a centre-forward saying ‘he was a waste of money’.
“For what he is bringing to that midfield. You see, the most duels he has won there (from Premier League players this season). His physicality, his pace and power.
“He has been an absolute breath of fresh air for Newcastle and he has been one of the key ingredients in the team. You look at all the top teams, they need all a player like that. He does all the work and fair play to him.”
From being a waste of money, Joelinton is now possibly saving Newcastle United millions in the transfer market.
They needed that all-round midfield player that can win possession, showcase his strength, keep it simple and move the ball from deep into the final third.
The Brazil star can do that in bucket loads and has now turned into a fan favourite, which many wouldn’t have said at the start of the season.
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