Former Chelsea and West Ham star Joe Cole has heaped praise on one Newcastle United player for their performances this season.
It is fair to say that the Magpies are at the end of their best season in living memory. The Carabao Cup win ended an agonising wait for a major trophy, and now Newcastle United look set to return to the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.
All that stands in their way of ending an unforgettable season on a high is 13th-placed Everton, who have absolutely nothing to play for on the final day of the season.
Newcastle currently find themselves third in the Premier League table, but the gap from them to Nottingham Forest in seventh is just one point, so it will be a nervy final day for all involved.
Despite the slim margins, Newcastle are still being backed to qualify for the Champions League by many pundits and former players.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is confident Eddie Howe will get the job done, while former Toon shot-stopper Shaka Hislop has backed Newcastle to beat Everton at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have been an unstoppable force at times this season, and Joe Cole has singled out one player for their performances this season. Carlton Cole completely agrees.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Joe Cole praises Joelinton for his performances with Newcastle United
When Joelinton joined Newcastle in 2019, nobody could have predicted what the future held for him. Failing as a striker, Howe took a punt and moved him into the midfield. That was undoubtedly the best decision he could have made for the Brazilian at the time.
Joelinton has become one of the Premier League’s most powerful midfielders, known for his strength and lack of fear. During a recent win against Manchester United, Joelinton was seen ready to fight Manuel Ugarte in the tunnel following an angry exchange.
After his performance in the Carabao Cup final, Isaac Hayden hailed Joelinton as the Man of the Match. The 28-year-old has now received even more praise from Joe Cole and Carlton Cole.
Speaking on the Dressing Room Podcast, Carlton Cole said: “Joelinton surprised me, mate, he was a forward. I don’t know how Eddie found out he was a midfielder. He’d never played there in his life!
“He must’ve played him in training and said, ‘nah he’s a midfielder’. How do you identify that so late on? Bought as a striker!”
Joe Cole completely agreed with that statement, saying: “(He is) playing for Brazil, he’s in and amongst the squad. I’d have him in my team. I’ve watched him a few times this year, I’ve been lucky enough to go up to Newcastle and watch them play, and he’s been fantastic every time I’ve watched him.”
Joelinton injury update at Newcastle United
Joelinton has been missing from Newcastle’s last few games after he finally succumbed to a knee injury he has been managing for months.
The Brazilian’s absence has seen Howe change formation and play with two central midfielders, rather than the traditional three he has used for most of the season.
While Howe has confirmed that Joelinton is working hard on fitness, it is unlikely that Newcastle fans will see him again before the end of the season.
Joelinton will undoubtedly be a big miss for Newcastle on the final day of the season, but it is better to give him all the time he needs to rest and not rush him back and risk more injury.