Analysis: Joelinton’s first two games for Newcastle

Newcastle United’s record signing, Joelinton, is living up to the hype and he is off to a great start with his new club this summer.

Based on Joelinton’s performances in the last two friendly matches against Preston North End and Hibernian, the Toon Army should be excited. Yes it is way too early to label him as an amazing striker who can carry the team all season, and yes the two teams he has faced thus far were inferior opponents, but he put his skills and unwavering work ethic on display.

As a striker, Joelinton’s primary objective is to score goals and he did just that. He managed to score twice, once in each friendly, although his goal against Preston North End was ruled out by a foul elsewhere on the pitch. Regardless of what counted and what didn’t, the Brazilian showed us that he is aware of his surroundings and knows how to get in good scoring positions. What impressed me more than Joelinton’s ability to score goals was how well he held the ball up, lost defenders and created plays for others.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 30: Joelinton of Newcastle tightly marked by Darren McGregor of Hibernian during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Hibernian FC and Newcastle United FC at Easter Road on July 30, 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

In yesterday’s friendly in Edinburgh, Joelinton set up four different teammates – Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden and Jamaal Lascelles – with good looks at goal. The 22-year-old striker completed nine assists in the Bundesliga last season and it looks like he aims to keep that trend alive in England. Steve Bruce has been raving about how dynamic Joelinton truly is and Ciaran Clark also told NUFC TV that Joelinton is difficult to contain in training.

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Supporters will miss Salomon Rondon as they appreciated his ability to consolidate strength, good vision and precise shooting, but if what we are seeing from Joelinton is a small preview of his overall skills then the Brazilian will set a new standard of quality on Tyneside. The fact that the young striker has already developed some good chemistry with Almiron in such a short period of time should also generate some much-needed optimism among fans. Look for Joelinton to carry on with this good run of form against St. Etienne on Saturday.