Steve Bruce claims Newcastle striker Joelinton needs time

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Steve Bruce believes that Newcastle United’s Joelinton needs time to adapt as a new young striker in the Premier League and feels he was given an “eye-opener” in his last match about the division.

The Brazilian centre-forward arrived at St James’ Park in the summer for a club record £40million (BBC) and the pressure is on him to deliver.

He’s managed just one goal in his opening six games and is still adjusting to the style of English football.

The 23-year-old battled up top alone during the last game in the goalless draw against Brighton and found it difficult to get into the contest.

Joelinton proved in Germany last season that he’s a goalscoring threat, netting 11 times and supplying nine assists in 35 games across all competitions for Hoffenheim.

Magpies boss Bruce is confident that his big signing can come good, but has urged patience with him and feels he will learn from the physical battle with Brighton.

“The burden of a Newcastle centre-forward is always going to be there and I think the big thing when any player comes to the Premier League they need a title bit of time, especially if you’re young,” Bruce told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.

“Last week he came against three big centre-backs at Brighton who bashed him to bits and it wasn’t until Andy Carroll came on that he gave him a hand. It was a bit of an eye-opener for him but he’ll learn from it, he’s desperate to do well that’s for sure.”

TBR’s View:

Joelinton has shown some real promising moment since his arrival, but ultimately he’s going to be judged on his goal output and he’s not made the blistering start he may have wanted.

The young striker does need time to adjust to the Premier League and the huge investment made in him suggests they have great faith in him.

But they need his goals to keep them away from any relegation trouble this term and right now the team does look a little short in attack.

He does have a physical presence to battle against some of the Premier League’s meanest centre-backs, but perhaps the return of Carroll from injury will end up helping him make more of an impact.