Eddie Howe has revealed that Joelinton is the Newcastle player he would “absolutely hate to play against”, saying that keeping the star player was a “pivotal” bit of business for the club.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Magpies’ away clash against Bournemouth, Howe expressed was full of praise for the Brazilian after his winner and man of the match display against Southampton last weekend.
“When he’s at his best, I would absolutely hate to play against him….he covered every blade of grass, he was involved in everything.”
Joelinton was arguably the first ‘success story’ of the Eddie Howe era at Tyneside, with the former Hoffenheim man adapting from misfiring target man to dominant midfield powerhouse, forming a stellar partnership with compatriot Bruno Guimaraes in the process.
When asked about how much it meant to the club in re-signing Joelinton to a new deal last season, Howe was quick to express how “pivotal” it was. “I don’t think you can have that situation,” h said. “I don’t think it’s healthy for that situation to linger at any football club when you’ve got players that are out of contract.”
“I’ve seen the damaging effect that can have not just on the player, but on the whole squad. Though there was a really smart bit of business from the club, but also really smart from Joe because it took away all the doubt and speculation.”
“When he’s absolutely settled and focused on his current team, then I think you see the best of the individual.”
“When he’s at his best, I would absolutely hate to play against him” 🫣
Eddie Howe on Joelinton being considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.#NUFC | #BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Tyne & Wear (@bbcnewcastle) August 23, 2024
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/08/23/eddie-howe-reveals-the-newcastle-player-hed-absolutely-hate-to-play-against/
Author : Jaspar Shepherdson
Publish date : 2024-08-23 17:13:29
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