Gary Neville has poked fun at Sky Sports colleague Patrick Davidson for his 'weird' question to Newcastle United star Joelinton. The Magpies' record signing has been reborn under Eddie Howe, and was an ever-present in midfield until a long-standing groin complaint ruled him out of recent trips to Southampton and Chelsea.
Joelinton endured a difficult first two seasons on Tyneside, struggling as a number nine under former head coach Steve Bruce. However, the former Hoffenheim forward was immediately identified by Howe as a key player in his rebuild following his appointment in November.
Ciaran Clark's red card after nine minutes in the home draw to Norwich City just weeks later led to Newcastle's number seven establishing himself in a box-to-box role. This transformation garnered national headlines after a man-of-the-match display in the festive clash with Manchester United at St James' Park.
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Howe's side delivered an impressive performance in the 1-1 draw, and Joelinton was joined by Sean Longstaff for a post-match interview with Davidson. The Sky Sports reporter opened the interview by saying 'Joelinton, can I be completely honest? I didn’t realise you were that good'!
It was a statement which drew heavy criticism from supporters on social media, with many Newcastle fans pointing out it was just the latest impressive display from the Brazilian. Longstaff went on to say much of the criticism directed as the 25-year-old was 'disrespectful'.
Neville filmed an Instagram Live ahead of Arsenal's defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night, and joined Davidson behind the scenes at the Emirates. The Sky Sports pundit joined the reporter in the media zone, and decided to revisit this line of questioning.
Speaking on Instagram, Neville said: "Patrick, what was that weird question you asked a player the other week? I was like Patrick, what have you said there?! You'll remember, it got a bit of stick on Twitter. Davidson replied: "You're talking before Christmas? Are you talking Joelinton?
Neville responded: "Joelinton plays really well for Newcastle and after the game Patrick did an interview with Sean Longstaff and Joelinton, and he goes to Joelinton 'I didn't realise you were that good!'
"I mean seriously! Joelinton has had not had a decent game for two years and Patrick basically tells him live on television I didn't realise you were that good."
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