Newcastle United fans are excited over Eddie Howe’s latest comments on Joelinton.
What’s the story?
Speaking at his press conference today, Howe talked up the talents of Newcastle’s Brazilian forward.
Joelinton has been heavily criticised since his club record move to Tyneside back in 2019.
He has struggled to score and when he has been picked to lead the line he has often been anonymous.
But Howe insists that he is encouraged by what he has seen from the rangy forward in training.
He said to the club’s official website: “I think he can be a huge player for us. From what I’ve seen in training he’s a technical player with very good feet and he’s intelligent. Unlocking that talent and ability are things I’m going to make assessments on but he’s got a big part in our future here.”
And these comments have certainly caught the attention of plenty of Newcastle fans.
Comeback on?
If Joelinton is to turn around his Newcastle career now it would be a remarkable comeback story.
The 25-year-old has mustered up just six Premier League goals in 79 appearances in a Newcastle shirt to date.
Now, it may be fair to say that Joelinton will never be a prolific goalscorer.
However, if those figures don’t improve then it is hard to see him locking down a starting spot in Howe’s team.
Joelinton does show signs that he can link the play well though, and his height is an asset – even if he isn’t the most physical of forwards.
It will now be very interesting to see if Howe does find a starting place for him in his first few games in charge.
Howe is set to be in the Newcastle dugout for the first time tomorrow, when they take on Brentford.
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