Some Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after the Chronicle shared a number of quotes from Premier League managers, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, praising Joelinton.
The Brazilian has often struggled to present much of a threat in attack for the Magpies since becoming our club-record purchase last summer, with head coach Steve Bruce only witnessing Joelinton score once in 26 top-flight games.
Pundits have even urged Bruce to bench the £40million forward and go for ‘something a little bit different’ by fielding Allan Saint-Maximin through the middle, as the Frenchman often appears to be our most dangerous forward option.
Premier League managers, though, have regularly taken the opposing stance and offered praise for Joelinton after our encounters, with Klopp lauding the 6 ft 1 centre-forward for an ‘outstanding’ performance against his run-away league leaders in September.
“It’s difficult to press them because they play the ball early. They are constantly in a second ball formation, but then they have the speed to get in behind plus Joelinton’s really physically strong,” the German noted after our 3-1 loss.
Do positive quotes from opposing managers mean anything?
Yes, it shows people see he has talent
No, he needs to deliver on the pitch first
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola likewise praised Joelinton after our 2-2 draw in November, stating: “They are so fast in front with [Miguel] Almiron, Saint-Maximin and Joelinton.
“We know him since last season when we played against Hoffenheim and the structure is quite similar like with Rafa Benitez so it’s always difficult.”
For all that praise from opposition head coaches, Joelinton has produced one goal, plus the first-team’s most shots in the Premier League (40), second-most key passes (23), most aerial duels won (147), and the third-most successful dribbles (33), per WhoScored data.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the Chronicle’s report, citing comments from top-flight managers praising Joelinton…
They said this over a year ago he’s terrible if Klopp likes him so much buy him as back up for firmino
— James Fernie (@JamesFernienufc) February 19, 2020
That can have him – make an offer
— ian pollock (@ipolnufc) February 19, 2020
I guess Arsenal and Liverpool will be bidding for him in this summer’s transfer window then
— Mr Potato Head™ (@aborisdrone) February 18, 2020
I kept holding out hope for this guy but after what I saw Sunday that is now gone. We need a new striker.
— bigal123 (@allanrg1) February 18, 2020
Bet neither of them would want him at their respective clubs even at £20m
— Delboy E ⬛⬜⬛⬜ (@dedwards1892) February 18, 2020
Easy to be praised by opposition managers when you’re on the end of hefty defeats. I’m sure they’ll be delighted if Joelinton keeps playing and offering nothing.
— Sam GC (@Funguslover) February 18, 2020
Getting in the box a problem for a striker? A £40m one. Sums it up really. Unbelievable.
— stephen fenn (@steviefenn) February 18, 2020
We’re never going to find out what Jo can give us while Bruce continues with this ridiculous 541 formation.
Jo needs to be in a 3 and play as a false 9 or with a quick poacher as a 2 man partnership. ASM and Miggy need to be getting much closer and trying to running beyond Jo.— Andy Mawer (@AndyNUFC78) February 18, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, a £16.2m-rated ace rejected a potential move to St. James’ Park in January.