Eddie Howe says Newcastle United star was so good it was like having two players against Manchester United
Newcastle United were reduced to 10 men late in the first half against Manchester United last night, but Eddie Howe said after the game that one of his players was so good it was like having two players out there.
Joelinton had another absolutely fantastic game in the heart of the Newcastle midfield, keeping up his form since returning from injury.
The midfield beast suddenly remembered he was Brazilian last night too, sending Bruno Fernandes for a hot dog at one point before setting up an attack that resulted in Lewis Hall firing just over the bar.
Joelinton was involved in everything positive for Newcastle, but he was probably lucky to still be on the pitch after his reaction to picking up a yellow card. We don't blame him for it, but when he sarcastically clapped Peter Bankes, the referee could have easily brandished a second yellow. Thankfully, Sandro Tonali was on hand to have a word.
Eddie Howe admits he's given Joelinton more game time than he'd like as he tries to manage his squad
Speaking to the media after the game, Eddie Howe was asked for his take on Joelinton's performance last night and he said it was like having two players.
"When he plays like that, he's almost like two players. He's an incredible player when he's fit and at his best.
"Again, he's a player that we've lost recently, and we've got to be really careful we don't lose him again. I've probably executed more game time for him than maybe I wanted to, but he's so important to the team, we need him at that kind of level. It takes a lot to get a player to that kind of level and keep him there, so fingers crossed he cans tay fit and continue in the manner that he's played in the last few games."
Eddie Howe almost felt Joelinton's wrath when taking him off against Qarabag
Howe tried to manage Joelinton's minutes in his first start back in the side against Quarabag in the Champions League, and it looked like Joey was ready to burn down St James' Park when his number was held up.
Good luck to Eddie if he plans to drop the Brazilian any time soon. We certainly wouldn't want to be on his bad side.
If Joelinton continues to play as he has done in the last three games, then there's no way he can be dropped anyway. He has been sensational.
