Micah Richards believes Kieran Trippier’s claim of Joelinton being the best player in Newcastle United training is indicative of his transformation at the club. The Brazilian has been reborn since the arrival of Eddie Howe in November after moving back to a midfield position.
Joelinton has established himself as a staple in Howe’s starting XI thanks to a string of fine performances as a box-to-box midfielder. The pressure of the £40 million transfer fee and number nine shirt no longer weigh heavily on the 25-year-old, which is visible in his displays on the pitch.
He continued his recent resurgence by netting his second goal of the season in the 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. After heading in the opener in the capital, Joelinton ran the full length of the field to celebrate with the Newcastle away supporters, who are now right behind the big money signing.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe makes Newcastle training ground changes as owners look at sites for a new facility
Speaking on BBC 5Live’s Monday Night Club, Richards claimed that it would have been unthinkable to hear Joelinton being named as the club’s best player in training. He does, however, think his new position suits him far better than previously, when he was tasked with leading the line.
He said: “The weight of the £40million price tag and goalscorer. 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.”
Go here to sign up for Lee Ryder's brand new weekly NUFC newsletter
