Selfless Joe is just what I want in a player – boss
EDDIE Howe has told Rio Ferdinand Joelinton epitomises what he wants from his Newcastle United players because the selfless Brazilian has done whatever his manager has asked.
Howe spoke to the BT Sport pundit about the club’s record signing off air ahead of Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Joelinton started on the left wing that afternoon and caused Liverpool problems in the air in the early stages - but the 25-yearold has played the majority of his football under Howe as a combative central midfielder.
That change of position only came about after defender Ciaran Clark was sent off against Norwich City last November.
Yet tellingly, Joelinton went on to embrace the role and worked hard at it with both the club’s coaching staff and his own personal analyst Diego Vieira.
Considering Joelinton barely
had any experience of being used in the middle of the park, aside from being sent off while playing there for Rapid Vienna many years ago, the Brazilian’s defensive awareness and tactical understanding have been striking.
What has shone through the most under Howe, though, is how the versatile Joelinton has been willing to play wherever his manager has asked him, whether it is as a central midfielder, left winger, second striker or centre forward.
Joelinton is now the frontrunner to win the club’s player of the year award and Ferdinand has named the £40m man his most improved player this season.
The former England defender said: “Since Eddie Howe has come in Joelinton has been rejuvenated and has played in multiple position.
“He was bought as a Brazilian number nine - now he is playing left wing. He has four goals and one assist this year.
“I have spoken to Eddie about him and he was saying he epitomises what he wants in his players.
“He has come in, worked hard and asked: ‘What do you need from me? What do you want from me? I will do it.’”