By Kevin Campbell

18th Mar, 2022 | 1:30pm

Newcastle United news: Pundit hails 'surprise package' Joelinton amid 'brilliant' development

Joelinton has been a “revelation” in midfield for Newcastle, according to Kevin Campbell.

The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old’s injury return will be a “brilliant” boost for the Magpies.

Joelinton, who missed the last two games against Chelsea and Southampton, returned to the starting lineup and played 90 minutes as Newcastle fell 1-0 away at Everton last night (17 March).

The Brazillian’s last 12 Premier League starts have come in a midfield role despite primarily operating as a striker prior to Eddie Howe’s arrival.

Joelinton scooped Newcastle’s player of the month award for February earlier this month (5 March) after impressing in his new role.

Campbell claimed the 25-year-old will be a “brilliant” addition to the Magpies side after returning to fitness.

“He’s been the real surprise package for me this season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“He came to the club as a striker and didn’t really take off as the game’s a bit different in England with your back to goal. All of a sudden, he’s been a revelation in midfield.

“He’s big, athletic, strong – and technically, he’s very good. Fair play to Eddie Howe, he’s spotted something, tweaked it, and now he’s reaping the rewards.

“You can see that they missed him in there when he was out. He’s got the height and power to be effective in both boxes, too.

“I think he’s gonna be a brilliant addition now he’s back in that starting lineup.”

Joelinton has scored 12 goals in 107 games for Newcastle since joining in July 2019.

He cost the Tyneside club a reported club-record £40million.

In other news, Newcastle star could be binned after injury expert’s reveal.