Newcastle United risked their lives without Joelinton just a few months ago, and now they appear to be a side that cannot function without him.
The £40 million man’s absence has harmed the Magpies since the turn of the year, but with a new contract signed and his future determined, it’s time to reap the benefits of that deal on the pitch. True, they have remained in the fight for Europe and still appear to be in contention for a spot in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League, but how much closer could Eddie Howe’s squad be to the top four with Joelinton in the lineup?
Of course, it can’t be attributed just to one player, especially one who Newcastle fans would have gladly dismissed had he gone after a disastrous debut season as a centre-forward for the Magpies. However, since transitioning from a frequently unreliable striker to a midfield enforcer, Howe has a player that leads by example and serves as the black and whites’ standard bearer.
Joelinton was always expected to return in May, and if he does so against Sheffield United this weekend, a full house at St James’ Park will undoubtedly cheer his first tackle. Bruno Guimaraes looks chirpier with Joelinton by his side, and the former Hoffenheim player also brings the best out of the engine room around him.
The realities are that Newcastle lacked what Jurgen Klopp famously characterised as “mentality monsters” during their 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace. It was an off night, but the scariest part is that the margin of victory could have been far wider.
Context is required for Newcastle as they seek to move on fast after their tenth away defeat of the season. Howe later stated, “Crystal Palace played well and made it difficult for us, but we’re usually better technically, and that was the major aspect of our game that disappointed me. We handed the ball away too often.”
Newcastle did give the ball away a lot, but they also failed to get it back. Joelinton will fill in for Howe in the last few games of the season.
Newcastle have won more Premier League games this season with Joelinton on the team. Without him, they have only won six of thirteen matches. Both the fans and Howe are eager for his return.
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