Micah Richards has shared that ‘you would never have thought’ that Joelinton was the best in Newcastle United training, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The former defender shared that Kieran Trippier, as well as other Newcastle players, have claimed that the striker turned midfielder is the best in training.
From seemingly heading towards being a big-money flop at St James’ Park, it has been some turnaround for Joelinton at the club.
Eddie Howe deserves huge credit for the work he has done with the 25-year-old in such a short space of time because he has been transformed.
From being a ‘laughing stock’, Richards praised the new hard-hitting Brazilian on Tyneside.
“The weight of the £40 million price tag and goalscorer,” said Richards. “And having to rely on him to score the goals. That’s why he became a little bit of a laughing stock. But pushing back he has done very well.
“It’s interesting, some of the players said Joelinton is the best in training.
“Then Trippier as well, on his Instagram story, he was doing a question and answer. And he said ‘Joelinton is one of the best in training’.
“Up until, probably the last three or four months, you would never have thought that. It just shows you what they see on a day-to-day basis.”
Joelinton is now a key member of this Newcastle team that is surging up the Premier League table and pushing away from the danger zone.
The Magpies are unbeaten since December in the Premier League, with Joelinton recently scoring during their win at Brentford over the weekend.
It could be argued that he is heading towards winning the Player of the Season award because his name will definitely be on the supporters’ list.
Added with that, with his box-to-box performances in the middle of the park, he has also probably saved Newcastle millions in the transfer market, not that they need it.
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