‘Shocked me’: West Ham man says’special’ Newcastle player blew him away last weekend

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Newcastle United have been picking up some form of late and a number of players have been key to the revival under Eddie Howe.

Of course, the new signings have had an impact. Kieran Trippier has been excellent while Chris Wood has led the line well despite not seeing the goals come just yet. At the back, Matt Targett and Dan Burn were smart signings, while Bruno Guimaraes has impressed enough in his cameos.

Last weekend saw the Mags pick up a hard-earned 1-1 draw with West Ham. And according to the Hammers’ striker Michail Antonio, it is Newcastle’s Brazilian powerhouse, Joelinton, who has impressed him the most.

“Do you know who shocked me? Do you know who I’m very impressed with Joelinton,” Antonio said on the BBC’s Footballer’s Football Podcast.

“You guys signed him for £40m as a number nine? Man is now playing midfield. He went from number nine out wide to midfield and I think he’s found his position.”

Joelinton has found new life under Howe at Newcastle. He has produced a number of fine displays, with Jamie Carragher labelling him as ‘special’ for a performance in December. Certainly, the Brazilian seems to have been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Eddie Howe’s coaching.

TBR’s View: Joelinton A New Man At Newcastle

Well, what a turnaround. Joelinton has gone from misfiring striker who looked a waste of £40m to accomplished and energetic midfield player in what seems like the blink of an eye.

He has been outstanding as well. As well as his work ethic, he’s brought a presence and calmness to the midfield at the same time. Weirdly, opposition defences don’t seem to know what to do with him when he’s in the middle of the park.

With the pressure of scoring goals off, Joelinton now looks the real deal. And in a way, he’s like a new signing as well for the Mags.