Eddie Howe agrees with Alan Shearer as Newcastle United seal 'pivotal' deal for £40m midfielder

Joelinton earned big praise from Shearer on Match of the Day last Saturday following his standout display in Newcastle United’s opening day win over Southampton at St James’ Park.

The Brazilian scored the only goal of the game on the brink of half-time but it was his general play that impressed Shearer hugely as Newcastle grinded out a victory, despite playing an hour with 10 men.

“He is just a tower and strength in midfield,” said Shearer. “The turnaround from this player is incredible. Everything about him is class, he’s one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. He’s a giant of a midfielder. He never shies away from wanting the ball even in really difficult positions.”

Responding to Shearer’s verdict, Howe said: "Yeah, I do agree with him. When he's at his best, I would absolutely hate to play against him. He is physically incredible, and I think you'd have seen that last week - he was at his best physically.

“He covered every blade of grass, he was involved in everything; duels, he was coming out with the ball in situations that he had no right to. He was covering and balancing our defending in a brilliant way so I think that was Joelinton pumped to do his best. Really, really aggressive.

“But also, let's not underestimate his quality, because for the goal, the ball was wrapped into him at a real speed. He's had to take the ball really well on his left foot, which is not his strongest foot. Kill the ball dead and finish it into the corner.

“I thought it was a very underestimated piece of skill. Great pass from Alex, but that shows the other side of his game and maybe the striker instincts in him, because that was top-class football."

The 28-year-old missed the majority of last season because a thigh injury. And whilst he was on the sidelines, there was doubt surrounding his future as he approached the final 12 months of the six-year contract he signed after joining from Hoffenheim for £40m in 2019.

At one stage, even Howe admitted Joelinton could be sold in the summer, unless a new contract could be agreed. Fortunately, an agreement was reached in April with the midfielder penning a long-term deal.

Howe said: "It was pivotal, because I don't think you can have that situation. I don't think it's healthy for that situation to linger at any football club when you've got players that are out of contract, in the peak of their powers, really, and their future be uncertain. I've seen the damaging effect that can have, not just on the player, but on the whole squad.

“So, I thought it was a really smart bit of business from the club, but also really smart from Joe, because it took away all the doubt and the speculation, which meant he could just focus on his football again.

“And I think any footballer who plays his best when he's absolutely settled and focused on his current team, then I think you see the best of the individual. I'm really pleased Joe made that decision."