Newcastle United news: Pundit issues 'huge' Eddie Howe claim after player footage emerges
Paul Robinson has heaped praise on Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe for transforming Joelinton's relationship with the club's fans.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said Joelinton, 25, "was the brunt of a lot of jokes" before "completely turning it around this season."
The Brazilian scored his first goal since November on Saturday in a 2-0 win at the Brentford Community Stadium.
As captured by Newcastle World's Jordan Cronin (26 February), Joelinton celebrated the win with supporters, who sang his name after the full-time whistle.
Joelinton's form has drastically improved since Howe dropped him back into midfield.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Joelinton's improved fan relationship, Robinson said: "Let's be honest, he was the brunt of a lot of jokes.
"That is how poor he was at times. The fans could not understand why they paid all that money for him.
"But he has completely turned it around this season. He has been one of their best players.
"You have to give Eddie Howe huge credit because he has done so well since he's come in. He has really improved the players that he has got. Joelinton is the perfect example of that. He has given him a new position and now he looks like a different player.
"Newcastle looked dead and buried a few months ago. The results they have managed to pull together and the points total they have amassed, they have every chance. There are so many teams struggling below them now."