Ally McCoist says he's never seen such a huge transformation of a player than Joelinton at Newcastle United since Eddie Howe arrived at the club.
Joelinton has been handed a new lease of life by Howe, who transformed him from a misfiring striker to a box-to-box midfielder. The Brazilian netted twice in Newcastle's 5-1 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium last week, and played an instrumental role in the Magpies' first goal in Saturday's 2-1 win over Brentford.
Newcastle had been trailing 1-0 when Joelinton surged inside from the right and saw his effort take a telling deflection off David Raya, who was credited with the own goal.
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He has also filled in as a left midfielder in the absence of Allan Saint-Maximin at times this season, and McCoist is delighted to see his remarkable rise under Howe.
"I do not think I've seen a transformation in a player anywhere at anytime that's been better than Joelinton," McCoist told talkSPORT.
He added: "I remember going to watch Newcastle and you actually felt sorry for the lad. He was trying but he couldn't hit the cow on the backside with a banjo.
"It's been brilliant to see. It just shows you how a change of manager [makes such a difference] because he was dropped back, and he was playing him a little bit deeper.
"They are absolutely flying now, and are in pole position for the Champions League."
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