Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey believes Joelinton is far from a lost cause but needs to increase his urgency.
Joelinton infamously signed for Newcastle from the Bundesliga’s Hoffenheim for a reported club record of £40 million, which left many fans puzzled when the expensive new striker seemed incapable of scoring goals.
Since then he has scored only 10 goals in 81 appearances for Newcastle, which is far from what was expected when he was handed the club’s No 9 shirt - the number was then handed to Callum Wilson instead this summer.
Yet many hope that the 25-year-old Brazilian, who was capped for his country at under-17 level, will eventually come good on his huge transfer fee by finding his best position and having more confidence on the pitch.
One of those who still believes is former Newcastle defender Steve Howey, who told Read Newcastle: “He can be aggressive, strong, he might hold the ball up, make a good run, but too many times he’s not.
“It just seems as though there’s no urgency to get in the box, sometimes he’s easily pushed off the ball, he doesn’t win enough headers, there’s all kinds of things you can aim at the lad.
“My opinion is, unfortunately, the lad is struggling,” said Howey, who scored six goals himself at Newcastle, despite playing at centre-back, having been shifted back from the frontline early in his career by Newcastle boss Ossie Ardiles.
Howey went on: “I think no doubt he’s got the ability but we’re not seeing it and at this level you need to see it. You need to be able to count on the players that you’ve got in the starting eleven to help you win games.”
Joelinton certainly seemed like a better player towards the end of last season, but whether he will get enough games to prove himself this season and whether he is capable of doing what Newcastle need him to do - assists and goals - is yet to be seen.
