Shearer hails Joelinton and Howe for recent transformation

By Sam Preston

Alan Shearer has handed Joelinton a lot of credit for his recent transformation into a central midfielder under Eddie Howe.

The Magpies legend has also paid tribute to Howe for the vision to convert the Brazilian from a misfiring striker to a commanding presence in the engine room.

Newcastle have lost their last three games but are back on home soil against Wolves tonight and will be looking to get back to winning ways.

Shearer told Newcastle’s official website: “I always felt it was really difficult for him personally because I never felt he was a number nine.

“I thought it was unfair the fee and giving him the number, I never felt he was a centre-forward or wanted to play there. But he never shied away.

“I think that’s why he’s got the respect from the fans, because he never shies away or hid. For him to go from where he was to where he is now and playing such a major part in what Newcastle are doing in that midfield role, he deserves a huge amount of credit.

“Not only him but Eddie as well, for giving him the freedom to go and do that.”

Joelinton has been one of the stories of Newcastle’s season, and underlines how much of the improvement at the club has been down to Howe’s coaching.

There has of course been plenty of talk about big-money signings but Joelinton is the club record purchase and he was struggling badly for much of his time under Steve Bruce.

Now, in his new position, he looks like a new man and Shearer is right to praise both men for that.