Eddie Howe names the Newcastle United player who is ‘never happy’

Eddie Howe has paid tribute to Joelinton’s transformation at Newcastle United and revealed the Brazilian star ‘struck a chord’ with him from his first day as Magpies manager.

The former Hoffenheim forward was United’s record signing when they agreed a £40m with the Bundesliga club during the summer of 2019. However, playing in an underperforming side hindered Joelinton’s adjustment to life in the Premier League and there was widespread criticism after he after he scored just four goals in 44 appearances in all competitions during his first season on Tyneside.

That record was slightly improved during the following campaign with six goals in 36 games - but it seemed likely Joelinton could be allowed to leave United after he was linked with a loan move to a number of Turkish clubs. The departure of former manager Steve Bruce and the appointment of Howe as his successor led to an unexpected turnaround in fortunes and a surprise transformation into an all-action midfielder saw the Brazilian establish himself as a key figure within the Magpies squad.

His form over the last 18 months has led to speculation the United star could earn a maiden call-up to the senior international squad and he was discussed by interim Brazil coach Ramon Menezes ahead of last month’s friendly clash with Morocco. Joelinton will focus on club matters as he hopes to play a lead role in helping the Magpies in their quest to secure European football this season and he heads into the final six weeks of the season with words of endorsement from his manager ringing in his ears.

He said: “He is invaluable. Players who can play different roles very well are worth their weight in gold. He uses his physicality to take away their threat. He has committed from day one and has been incredible. It’s difficult because I haven’t lived that experience with him (Joelinton’s previous struggles). I met a player that I instantly really liked on the training pitch the first day. I’ve always said he really struck a chord with me, how he performed in training.

“I then got to know him and thought (he was an) unbelievable character, great lad, really determined to do well, so I’ve only seen the positive side, I didn’t live that experience with him during the first couple of seasons. But obviously what I hear of what happened. I’m struggling to rack my brains to think of a transformation like it, but I’m so pleased for him and he deserves all the credit because he’s really driven, motivated, keen to listen, learn, improve. He’s never happy. He’s one of the players who’s last off the training pitch every day, he’s really committed to his profession and I love to see people with all those characteristics then do well and succeed.”