Joelinton has the most to prove down the stretch for Newcastle

The Brazilian striker will need to show he can carry the load up top for Newcastle United during the rest of the season.

Newcastle United are set to return to action during the weekend of June 19-21. With nine matches to go in the Premier League and an FA Cup quarter-final on the docket, there will be some interesting storylines to watch down the stretch. The player with the most to prove wears the famed number nine kit.

Joelinton has just one goal and two assists in the league after arriving from Hoffenheim in the summer. He mentioned in an interview with Goal Brazil that it’s never good when a striker goes so long without goals and that he’s dealt with some anxiety without scoring.

In the league, he has seven big chances missed with 12 of his 42 shots going on frame. He’s played in a very isolated role for most EPL matches, but that doesn’t excuse his lack of clinical finishing. He’s scored twice in the FA Cup and has two assists.

For the young Brazilian, this stretch is about more than just proving he was worth the investment last summer. If the pending ownership takeover goes through, one of the positions they will surely look to enhance is striker. If Joelinton can score some goals in these remaining matches, he could show that he deserves another chance. With his club-record transfer fee to arrive and his value lower than that because of his struggles, Newcastle will likely give him the benefit of the doubt for one more go around if he flashes some of the potential they saw when he signed.