Rafa Benitez was right about Joelinton, but wrong about Almiron

Rafa Benitez got it right and wrong regarding the transfers of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron.

Rafa Benitez was desperately hoping that Mike Ashley would break Newcastle United’s transfer record to secure the services of Miguel Almiron, but he also preferred keeping Salomon Rondon over spending big on Joelinton. Well, based on what we have seen so far this season it’s fair to say that Benitez was right and wrong.

Let’s start with his mistake. Miguel Almiron was a star in the United States as he scored goals and set up big plays with ease for Atlanta United. Benitez wanted Almiron on Tyneside to serve as the primary playmaker on the team, but that never happened. In his first few appearances, Almiron would receive standing ovations from the Toon Army as a result of his effort and urgency, but now Steve Bruce receives cheers when he brings Almiron off the pitch.

Supporters have given the Paraguayan midfielder several chances to perform at an elite level, to score goals and complete assists, but after 20 matches Almiron doesn’t have any goals or assists to his name. The only thing he has going for him is his blistering pace and above average technical abilities. As much as I respect Benitez and his scouting abilities, it’s obvious that the Spaniard messed up with this signing. Newcastle United purchased Almiron for £21m, but no other club in Europe’s top leagues would offer that much for him after seeing his form in England.

Joelinton was purchased for a record fee of £40m this summer, which makes the Brazilian the second-most expensive signing in the Premier League for clubs outside the top six. His arrival was met with mixed emotions. Some fans, and this includes yours truly, were thrilled that Mike Ashley splashed the cash for a young, exciting prospect, but others were worried that the club spent too much on an unproven striker.

Steve Nickson and Lee Charnley had Joelinton at the top of their scouting report when Benitez was manager, but the former Liverpool boss wasn’t interested. Benitez acknowledged Joelinton’s potential, but he valued Salomon Rondon, who scored 11 goals last season, more than Joelinton. It’s still too early to tell if Joelinton is the real deal or a flop, but his current statistics are proving Benitez right.

Joelinton has made nine appearances for Newcastle United, but has only created 14 chances, with three shots on target, and has only scored one goal. To be fair, the Brazilian youngster has been isolated far too many times in games this season, so maybe his form will improve, but for now he is not playing like a striker worth £40m.