In Focus: Joelinton's journey from flop to vital cog in Newcastle machine

Joelinton has gone from looking like a waste of money to a complete bargain for Newcastle.

Signed for a club-record fee of £40million from Hoffenheim in 2019, the then striker appeared to be a disastrous purchase over his first two seasons with the Magpies. 

It was not until Eddie Howe arrived in 2021 and converted the Brazilian into a midfielder that his form justified the significant outlay.

Ahead of Newcastle's important trip to Everton tonight, we take a look at Joelinton's journey and the heights that he may yet reach. 

Seven heaven

The spectacular 6-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday saw Joelinton score his third goal in four games. 

This has boosted his total for the season to seven strikes in 35 appearances across all competitions. 

They are solid numbers for a player used in midfield or on the left flank. Yet when you consider that this is his most prolific season in front of goal for Newcastle, it sums up his past woes. 

Joelinton only scored four goals in his debut campaign in 2019-20 and then just six the following season despite the vast majority of his games during this time coming as a striker. 

Back then he looked destined for a cut-price exit from the club but the 26-year-old has become a vital part of Newcastle's new-look team thanks to his transformation under Howe. 

Middle management

Howe stumbled upon Joelinton's positional change within his first month in charge of the club. In a home game against Norwich, Ciaran Clark was sent off and the manager moved his striker into midfield. 

The former Bournemouth coach liked what he saw and, freed from the pressure of having to put the ball in the net, the Brazil youth international has blossomed. 

A combination of technical ability and physical strength makes Joelinton a natural in central midfield, with his transformation akin to Mousa Dembele — another former striker that thrived deeper. 

In recent weeks, Howe has often used the 6ft1in ace on the left of Newcastle's attack. It was from that position that he wreaked havoc in the thrashing of Spurs. 

On a day when many shone, Joelinton was Newcastle's best player.

Talk of the Toon

Shortly after the Brazilian made the move to midfield, Sean Longstaff spoke about the criticism he received and quality that the squad knew he possessed. 

He said: "We know how good Joelinton is, the abuse he gets is a disgrace to be honest. If he's on your team in training, you win, you're buzzing. 

"Ask anyone at the club, everyone rates him so highly. Some of the noise from outside is really disrespectful. I'm so happy for him." 

There are many footballers who look the part on the training ground but never quite make the steps needed to show their quality in packed stadiums. Joelinton has made that journey. 

At a time when Newcastle are moving into a new era of achievement and have the funds required for their growth to continue, many of their existing players will be upgraded upon. 

As impossible as it may have seemed less than two years ago, Joelinton will likely not be one of them.