Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell believes Joelinton deserves the most credit for his “incredible” turnaround on Tyneside. One year ago, the Brazilian was still considered a Premier League laughing stock for his barren run of form.
Mike Ashley stumped up a record-breaking £40million to lure Joelinton - then a 22-year-old - away from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. After losing Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez that same summer, the novice was tasked with filling a 33-goal void in the Magpies’ frontline.
Joelinton failed to make an impact in his first two seasons at St James’ Park. Talk of a possible move to Turkey on loan was mooted as the South American - bereft of confidence - hit a crossroads in his career.
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However, Eddie Howe’s appointment last November would change Joelinton’s course. During the 1-1 draw with Norwich City 12 months ago, the Toon boss deployed the £40million man deeper in a state of emergency, with Newcastle down to 10 men following Ciaran Clark’s red card.
The move proved a masterstroke, with Joelinton reinventing his career as a midfielder in the subsequent weeks and months. Toon supporters now recognise him as a cult hero at the club alongside compatriot Bruno Guimaraes.
Despite Howe’s intuition to play Joelinton in midfield, ex-Arsenal forward Campbell thinks the player deserves most of the credit. He told the Highbury Squad YouTube channel: “How do you break this one down? Joelinton was signed as a striker. He couldn’t hit a barn door as a striker.
“All of a sudden, he’s a box-to-box midfielder and he is incredible. Yes the manager takes some accolade, but Joelinton has to do the business, he’s the one who has to perform. That’s why I always say it’s the players.”
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