‘I love him’ - Ex-Manchester United star names Newcastle man who can play for any Premier League club
Newcastle United favourite Joelinton reminded everyone of his talents with a match-winning performance against Southampton
Former Manchester United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted he “loves” Joelinton following his match-winning performance against Southampton.
The Brazilian bagged the only goal - and covered every blade of grass - as Newcastle United started 2024-25 with a win. Joelinton suffered a thigh injury against Sunderland in January and was ruled out for a large chunk of last season.
Despite that, the Magpies rewarded the 28-year-old with a bumper four-year contract given his eye-catching transformation. Before Eddie Howe’s arrival, Joelinton was a goal-shy striker heading for the St James’ Park exit.
But he was transformed into a midfield powerhouse and has become one of the first names on Newcastle’s team sheet. The Brazil international began repaying his lucrative new deal on Saturday with a composed finish from close range to earn the Magpies all three points.
He starred in the heart of Newcastle's midfield alongside compatriot and best friend Bruno Guimaraes - another Tyneside cult hero. Ex-Premier League shot-stopper Foster eulogised Joelinton following his man-of-the-match display at the weekend.
“I think they missed him quite a lot last season when he was injured,” he told the Fozcast YouTube channel. “I do, I love him, though. For what they bought him for, a lot of money, and he got ridiculed, he got absolutely ridiculed.
“He wasn’t an out-and-out goalscorer but look at him now. He’s just… I love him. He’s the sort of player you want on your team. He’s the sort of player every team wants to have. Works his socks off, gets up, gets down, (is) physical and gets involved. You can tell he’s a team player. I do, I absolutely love him.”