A club-record signing, the Toon faithful saw Joelinton as a 50 million USD flop. But he is a man transformed under Eddie Howe, who has utilised the forward in a deeper midfield role. An ‘expensive miss signing went to an adorn figure at Newcastle under the new manager and the Toon boss reveals he is really pleased for the resurrection of his no.7 after he impressed again in victory over bottom-dwellers Norwich.Newcastle fans sang Joelinton’s name before, during and after their 3-0 victory over Norwich. In the space of six months, the Brazilian went from zero to hero and scored twice on his 100th Premier League appearance.”I will never forget this day,” said the Brazilian after the match against the Canaries.”Very pleased, very happy that the team is doing so well. Very happy to score twice and have the team collect three points. The gaffer start me at the number nine position and then changed – and things went well. Good for him, he’s doing a great job, he’s doing what’s better for the team at the moment”Sat 14:30: (8.00) Newcastle (4.70) Liverpool (1.45)Not many people believed in him. In February, Joelington gave a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United and even got an ‘I didn’t realise you were that good’ comment from reporters after the game. But his teammates did realise it, and so did Howe.”I’m really pleased for Joe, 100th appearance, and you saw the scenes at the end there,” said the Newcastle boss. ‘It’s a brilliant moment for him, especially knowing the journey that he’s had at the club.”In his 100 top-flight appearances, the 25-year-old scored just 10 goals but Howe’s vision of putting Joelinton in the midfield proved to be just what the doctor ordered.His defensive contribution has been pivotal in Newcastle’s turnaround since the start of the year. Only Joelinton and Declan Rice have over 30 contributions in defensive midfield statistics this season – which includes tackles, interceptions, clearances and aerial duels. From dead last in the table to the European football race: Newcastle beat all the oddsHowever, he was back in the attack on Saturday, with Chris Wood and Miguel Almiron resting. Joelinton delivered two smart finishes to put Newcastle 2-0 up before Bruno Guimaraes added a third. “I think Joe can play anywhere in those front positions and obviously as an attacking midfielder as well,” Howe added. “It’s great to have players like that.”Guimaraes, who has also been instrumental to Newcastle’s rise up the table, scored his fourth goal of the season. “They’re a joy to work with,” Howe said of the Brazilian duo. “They have that inner strength, they’re great people and have become integral to the squad. Long may that continue.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##If it does continue, the Magpies will be sitting even higher than the current 9th place in the Premier League. Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey sees only progress ahead of the club.“This club will be massive. I’m talking PSG and Man City massive. It’ll take time, and it’s a building process, but Newcastle can go to the top. We just all need to be patient. All I want is to be a part of the process.”, said Shelvey.
