So far this season, Newcastle have struggled to perform on the pitch and have won just three games out of the 11 they’ve gone into this season in the Premier League. Whilst that’s enough to keep them out of the relegation zone so far, they could be reaching higher if they’re main man was performing.
That man is the big-money signing from Hoffenheim, Joelinton. The Brazilian striker signed for the Magpies for a whopping £40m over the summer, becoming the club’s record transfer (BBC), however, he’s failed to effectively replace Salomon Rondon from last season.
The Venezuelan striker was sublime for the Geordies in the 2018/19 season, although Joelintin has struggled to match his impact. In 11 games so far this season, the Brazilian has bagged just one goal and one assist (Transfermarkt), stats that are far from impressive so far.
When delving deeper into the ex-Bundesliga man’s performances so far, it still doesn’t look good. Comparing his numbers to those put up by Rondon last season, the former St. James’ Park man averaged more shots and through balls per game than Joelinton, and obviously scored at a much faster rate, even if the Brazilian still has time fix that (WhoScored).
There is, of course, a lot of time to sort out the issues that Joelinton faces at the moment, and a lot of his struggles will come down to a lack of support as much as anything. However, getting on the scoresheet will be something the fans will need to see from the 22-year-old sooner rather than later.
Who would you have rather signed over the summer Newcastle fans?
Salomon Rondon
Joelinton
If the big man can’t deliver, the worry for Joelinton is that Andy Carroll could be set to replace him in the starting eleven. The hometown hero Carroll may not have had the best start to the season owing to injury, but when he’s back and 100% fit, Steve Bruce will have some decision making to do if his big-money man still isn’t finding the net.