Jonjo Shelvey knew two Joelintons at Newcastle United, the failing striker and the powerhouse midfielder.
The 33-year-old was at St James’ Park when Joelinton arrived for a club record fee of £40million, and he was there when Eddie Howe decided to convert him into a midfielder.
His transformation in black and white has been incredible, with Joelinton going on to become a key member of a Newcastle United squad that is winning silverware and qualifying for the Champions League.
It is quite the contrast for a player who was given the famous number nine shirt on arrival yet looked anything but comfortable in front of goal.
Toon fans could not believe what they had signed, but that is not how he was viewed inside the Newcastle United dressing room.
Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock in action for Newcastle United against Southampton.
Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Jonjo Shelvey always thought Joelinton was ‘decent’ despite striker woes
That is according to Jonjo Shelvey, who has been asked about Joelinton signing for Newcastle United on Pete Graves’ Here To Compete podcast.
The former Toon midfielder was asked what he and his teammates thought of Joelinton when he arrived and if they were asking ‘who is this guy’ amid his struggles as a goalscorer.
“No, because up until the box, he was a very, very decent player,” he said.
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“But then when he’d get a chance, he’d obviously just miss it or just panic in front of goal.
“When obviously Clark got sent off in the Norwich game and then he got moved back into the midfield, it was just, well, who’s this fella? “We just signed someone new.
“But ever since then, he’s just been a mainstay in the team and credit to him.”
‘Mainstay’ Joelinton now under threat at Newcastle United
As Shelvey says, Joelinton has been a ‘mainstay’ for Newcastle United ever since Eddie Howe changed his position. Howe immediately recognised Joelinton’s ability, praising his qualities during his first interview as Newcastle United manager.
He has relied heavily on Joelinton since that moment, either as a centre-midfielder or a left winger. It is in the middle where he has had the most joy, forming a wonderful trio alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
They have been considered the Premier League’s best midfield, but that is no longer the case. The Magpies are struggling in the middle of the park, with Joelinton appearing to be the weak link.
With Jacob Ramsey pushing to be a starter and Newcastle United looking at Ederson as long-term Joelinton replacement, the 29-year-old’s position is more under threat than ever.
Joelinton needs to find a way to regain his form or risk losing his place in the starting XI.