Eddie Howe says he will be making assessments on Newcastle man, has shown intelligence in training

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Eddie Howe has been quoted by Newcastle’s Twitter account as saying that he will be “making assessments” on Toon attacker Joelinton.

Joelinton, 25, joined Newcastle in the summer of 2019 from Hoffenheim for a club-record £40million fee. Since then, he has failed to live up to the hype.

Clocking up a huge 91 appearances for Newcastle, he has scored just 10 goals – and eight assists. Only six of those 10 goals have come in the league.

But there is sympathy for the Brazilian. He was signed to play as a centre-forward, with the iconic no.9 shirt – despite being a winger at Hoffenheim.

That, and he clearly is not a £40million player. Perhaps the defensive style under Steve Bruce stifled Joelinton somewhat, not playing to his strengths.

New boss Howe was asked about Joelinton and he said he has been impressed by him in training – but will carry out assessments on him.

“I think he can be a huge player for us. From what I’ve seen in training he’s a technical player with very good feet and he’s intelligent.

“Unlocking that talent and ability are things I’m going to make assessments on but he’s got a big part in our future here,” Howe said.

Howe on Joelinton: Could Brazilian shine at Newcastle now?

As alluded to earlier, playing so defensively under Bruce would not have got the best out of Joelinton. He is a winger, with speed and strength.

He is not a defensive winger, one like Matt Ritchie or even Jacob Murphy. He is more of a striker, than a winger that can play as a full-back.

With Howe playing more of an attacking style, Newcastle fans might finally get to see the best of Joelinton in the final third – starting on Saturday.

Realistically, though, Joelinton might not be starting – with Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson certainties. Ryan Fraser might be used.