NEWCASTLE BURNLEY

Misfit? Howe says it ain’t so and just loves Joelinton’s resilience and attitude as his off-target striker becomes midfield enforcer

BY

EDDIE HOWE was caught on camera screaming at Newcastle’s £40million record signing Joelinton. “F ****** love it. Hey Joe, f ****** love it,” bellowed Howe, as the striker turned into a midfield enforcer, and put in some crunching tackles against Norwich.

For two years the Brazilian has toiled up front, as a No.10, or out wide, burdened by his price tag, and attracted screams of frustration from fans.

But new United boss Howe is convinced the Toon have a player who can bolster their relegation campaign – and is giving him love.

Howe reckons Joelinton is the player who encapsulated the attitude at St James’ Park during their current difficult times, a player, and a club who Howe says are refusing to be “victims” of their relegation-threatened circumstances.

“His resilience and attitude has been amazing,” Howe said. “I found a player who really impressed us with work rate and ability. We have made him feel valued. There’s just eagerness to prove himself.”

Joelinton has netted seven goals in 82 Premier League appearances – four with his right foot, three with his left and no headers.

He’s set up five goals, had 110 shots and just 42 on target, with 13

“big chances” missed, with

20 passes averaged per match. Pinning hopes on a forward with a goal every 10 games looks dangerous, but Joelinton has untapped potential.

Howe said: “Joe has been fantastic for me since we came in. We like him. He has a good mix of physicality, technical ability, superb footwork to get out of tight situations.

“And he covers every blade of grass. He has a selfless mindset. There is more to come. He is going to be a huge player for us.

“Against Norwich he started as a No.10, then moved to a No.8, into midfield. In terms of his best position he can play in a number of areas.

“He has work ethic, a high technical level, physicality, the ability to score and you have an outstanding individual.”

Newcastle signed him from Hoffenheim, just after Rafa Benitez left and Steve Bruce joined as manager.

Howe added: “The price tags are irrelevant. The prices in football since I was a kid, it is difficult to get your head around. That is not the player’s fault.

“Joe can be whatever he wants to be. I am looking forward to him. I wouldn’t swap him.”

Howe knows the home clash with Burnley is a mustwin to get them back in touch with fourth bottom. No team has gone winless for their first 14 games and survived in Premier League history.

“Why not be the first?” asked Howe. “That’s always been my mindset. Why not change history?

“That’s what we’re going to have to do, we’re going to have to do it the hard way, but we’re more than capable.”

Howe says the positivity of Newcastle’s fans, who have refused to turn on their team, has “galvanised” the team, and offered his heartfelt thanks.

He added: “A win would transform everything. It would transform the feeling of the squad, the fans, and the confidence.”