Newcastle United may have found unexpected new Patrick Vieira amid ‘massive’ manager claim – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Newcastle ace Joelinton is “in the mould of Patrick Viera” after another impressive performance in his adopted central midfield role.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old, who has spent most of his career at centre-forward, is “really thriving” in the engine room of Eddie Howe’s side.
Joelinton has started each of Newcastle’s last eight league games as part of a three-man midfield despite the January arrival of countryman Bruno Guimaraes.
As per FBRef, the Brazilian had the second-highest pass completion (93%) and completed the second-most progressive carries (seven) of any Magpies player during their 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday (19 February).
Whelan suggested Howe deserves credit for helping Joelinton find his place at St James’ Park.
“It’s not easy to adapt to a new role,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Especially when you’ve been playing as a centre-forward or on the wing,
“Playing in that midfield area is a completely different skillset, but Joelinton is really thriving in there.
“He looks more potent and more involved, he’s got the energy to drive the ball forward, he gets himself into good attacking areas. He brings a real physicality and power to that midfield that they didn’t have before.
“He looks to be in the mould of Patrick Viera in there. He’s got that height and power, driving through the ball.
“I think Eddie Howe deserves massive credit for helping him to find his best role in that Newcastle set-up without taking any of that attacking presence away from him.”
Joelinton cost Newcastle a reported club-record fee of £40million in 2019.
The former Hoffenheim man has netted 11 goals in 105 appearances for the Magpies.
In other news, pundit predicts Newcastle could sign ‘another Allan Saint-Maximin’ after £45m update reported.