Norwich City midfielder Lukas Rupp has hit-out at Newcastle United's style of play and suggests it's the reason why Joelinton hasn't been successful in the Premier League.
Rupp played with Joelinton while the pair were at German club Hoffenheim and believes that Steve Bruce's tactics are playing a major role in striker's lack of goals this season.
Joelinton, who moved to Tyneside for £40m in the summer, has hit only one league this season - and Rupp says it is no surprise given how the Magpies set-up.
Speaking to the German website Kicker, Rupp said: "He has a really hard time there.
"They play a 5-4-1, park the bus in front of their own goal, and Joelinton has to struggle pretty much on his own in the front."
With Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron full fit, a change in formation has seen improved performances from Joelinton - and two goals in the FA Cup, but the clinical touch in the Premier League still evades him.
Rupp, who is represented by the same agency as Joelinton, joined Norwich in January and has played six times so far - including 89 minutes against Newcastle back in February. The German midfielder feels that was a game Norwich should have won.
