Joelinton’s transformation into a midfield maestro at Newcastle United has been ‘absolutely remarkable’ with the Brazilian scoring a stunner in the Champions League against AC Milan.
This was one of those moments which just felt like history in action.
Joelinton, capping a monstrous, colossal first-half display with a stunning finish in the 33rd minute, flicking up a clever Lewis Miley pass before rifling into the top corner of the AC Milan goal.
It was a finish which deserved better than to be remembered as little more than a consolation on an evening of heartbreak, Milan fighting back and turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead as Newcastle United crashed out of not only the Champions League but of Europe as a whole.
Joelinton scores stunner but Newcastle United crash out
“What a hit. Absolutely magic,” Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist said during TNT Sport’s live coverage (13 December, 8pm). “Joelinton just fires it right into the corner. What a goal it is. The goalkeeper has absolutely no chance, brilliant goal.
“It’s that little touch from the outside of the right boot which brings it up two or there inches.”
The sight of Joelinton bludgeoning through AC Milan’s midfield is one not even the most rose-tinted Newcastle supporter would have envisaged when the £40 million signing from Hoffenheim was toiling at centre-forward Steve Bruce, that iconic number nine shirt like an anvil on his back.
Eddie Howe’s transformation of Joelinton from a world-weary striker into a powerhouse central midfielder is right up there with his greatest achievements as Newcastle boss – and that’s saying something – with the Brazil international a man transformed at St James’ Park.
‘Absolutely remarkable’
“It’s absolutely incredible to see,” McCoist adds. “It’s one of the great stories. It was agony at times watching the poor lad.
“They put him into midfield and the improvement has been remarkable, absolutely remarkable.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
