Many Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after Steve Bruce offered his verdict on what will see Joelinton begin to thrive at St. James’ Park.
Joelinton made his 21st appearance for the club on Wednesday as we lost 3-0 at home to Leicester City, with the Brazilian failing to score for the 18th Premier League match in succession.
Bruce has rarely lost faith in the 22-year-old despite his lengthy drought, with Joelinton only missing from the opening line-up on one occasion to date, coming when Andy Carroll started against Sheffield United and we won at Bramall Lane.
Joelinton’s performance against Leicester on New Year’s Day has come in for a lot of criticism on social media, particularly having squandered a glorious chance to score his first goal since August when he broke through one-on-one.
But the boss is continuing to back our £40million club-record signing, having stated after the Foxes loss that only perseverance will see Joelinton excel.
“He needed something like that to go in,” Bruce said, via quotes by the Chronicle. “He has to try to find that confidence from somewhere.
Does Joelinton start in the FA Cup vs Rochdale on Saturday?
Yes
No
“Last week, I thought he did very, very well in the two performances he played. But it was a struggle for everybody today, and after missing the big opportunity against a good Leicester team.
“You would hope that you can stick that away and something happen for the lad. But we’ll keep working away with him and he has to keep persevering.”
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Bruce’s remark…
What’s the point with our one dimensional non crossing non attacking midfield? We are woeful
— Alex (@ANicolsonphoto) January 1, 2020
How about practice on the training ground. I’d suggest starting with one on ones and left foot shots after this afternoons showing.
— Gallowgate Original (@GallowgateO) January 1, 2020
According to Bruce he’s done much better in a wide position, so logically it made sense to hoy him up the middle again! Bruce is not quite Carver but he’ll get there
— Steven Ions (@ions316) January 1, 2020
Might be good to stop lumping it long to him. He’s a tidy footballer with ball at feet but Bruce is allergic to football
— SRELLAIN (@SRELLAIN) January 1, 2020
Joelinton will never be a number 9. Who thought it wise to buy him in place of Rondon?
— Michael Parry (@MickP1964) January 1, 2020
Something needs to happen, he is about as useful as a 3 legged donkey at the mo.
— Lee Martin 🎊🎉🍺 (@LMnufc87) January 1, 2020
Just perhaps Linton isn’t good enough and not up to this level of football… He’s looks really poor along with Muto!!
— johnh (@gizbyker1) January 1, 2020
It’s simple he is not a striker and his best performances have been wide or behind carroll
— EndTwoEnd Lamar (@EndTwoEndLamar) January 1, 2020
I’m so bored of Bruce and Newcastle.
If they was a @FootballManager save, i’d not play it again
— Andrew (@Andy_Newc) January 1, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, Bruce has confirmed that he will be without a midfielder for the next four months.