Converted Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton is happy to have proven the critics wrong through his performances in recent weeks.
The Brazilian had struggled to make an impact at St. James’ Park since his £40 million move from Hoffenheim two-and-a-half-years ago but has looked a different player since moving into midfield.
At the beginning of Howe’s reign, Joelinton was handed an opportunity in the number 10 role, but since the 1-1 draw with Norwich City at the end of last month, when Newcastle played more than 80 minutes with a man less, he has been playing deeper.
That has allowed him to flourish and finally show his true quality in the Northeast, despite the situation that Newcastle find themselves in.
In an interview with Sportsmail, the 25-year-old revealed that he is happy with his recent performances but knows this is the level he must continue to produce on a consistent basis.
He said: “I am happy to be at Newcastle. This is what I love to do, and I have to be responsible because of it. I will always give my best, in training and on the pitch.
“Eddie trusts my work ethic, and this makes me even more comfortable here. He trusts how I play. We’ll overcome this situation.
“Criticism is a part of the footballer’s job, and we have to know how to deal with it. It’s never good to see bad reviews but we know that football is about emotion. The only way I could change anything was to keep playing and giving my best during training and games. It’s so good to receive good messages from our supporters. I just hope to keep it rolling.”
Joelinton was the subject of some particularly high praise in the wake of the Magpies’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Monday, a game where he was awarded with the man of the match.
Despite that, he is refusing to get ahead of himself and wants to continue improving both individually and as a team, in order to avoid relegation.
He added: “This was not my first game as a midfielder. Against Norwich and in the second half at Leicester, I was there. But it’s still new for me.
“I’m doing what the coach asks me and I hope to keep improving. I was happy with our game. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to win it.
“We can get out of this situation if we keep up this pace.
“I’ve always battled a lot to achieve my dreams and I’m humble enough to tell you there’s a lot of work put in every day to be 100 per cent ready for every game.”
