'I'm so pleased': Eddie Howe buzzing after what BBC reporter told him about Newcastle player last night
Newcastle United earned a valuable point last night as they visited league leaders Arsenal.
Another impressive clean sheet made sure Eddie Howe’s side returned to Tyneside in third place.
The Newcastle manager was able to welcome Callum Wilson back to the starting XI, in place of Chris Wood.
He would only last an hour as Howe continued to carefully manage his minutes.
Howe has some very high demands of his players, and expects them to press and harry their opponents all game.
It’s one of the reasons why they’re so hard to score against, with teams unable to control the game in the middle of the park.
One player who has regularly been praised for his work-rate is Brazilian midfielder Joelinton.
The 26-year-old is a dynamo in midfield, and is one of the hardest working players out of possession.
He’s come into his own under Howe, thriving as part of a midfield three or on the wing like he was last night.
Joelinton praised for his work-rate last night
Speaking to BBC Sport, Howe was asked about the Brazilian: “About five minutes before the end Joelinton was five yards from the Arsenal penalty area, he must have sprinted 120 yards to get back into position.
“How much did he encapsulate your performance tonight?”
Howe responded: “He does that on a consistent basis. The man is an incredible athlete and he’s highly motivated to help the team.
“I’m so pleased Joelinton’s getting the recognition from people like yourself who have a very good eye to praise his work-rate and ability to help his teammates.
“I thought he was very good tonight.”
It’s not the first time Joelinton has been praised for his work-rate, with Jamie Carragher pointing it out after their victory over Tottenham.
Alan Shearer has claimed that Joelinton should be scoring more goals, but he offers so much more than that to the team.
The hard work he puts in when Newcastle are in and out of possession allows his more creative teammates to thrive.
He’s been one of the key reasons why the Magpies are having such a fantastic season.
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