Newcastle United have broken their club transfer record with the signing of Joelinton for £40 million from Hoffenheim.
The 22-year-old is the first signing for the Magpies this season and the first under new manager Steve Bruce.
The Brazilian joined Hoffenheim in 2015 from Sport Recife, and after two seasons with Rapid Vienna, the youngster returned to the German side and had a good 2018-19 season, scoring 11 goals and managing 9 assists in all competitions.
Joelinton will be thrown into the first-team starting XI immediately as the Magpies have very few strikers, having lost Ayoze Perez to Leicester City, while Salomon Rondon’s loan spell came to an end.
The Brazilian is a bright young prospect and could be a game-changer for the Premier League side. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Joelinton will be a big hit at Newcastle United:
Quick and strong
Joelinton is a player who is quick with and without the ball, driving at defences with his close control and pace.
The Brazilian plays always in the front foot and likes to attack every possible occasion. In the 2018-19 season, Joelinton averaged 1.7 successful dribbles every game in Bundesliga, while averaging two shots on goal in the league.
The 6’1″ striker is physically strong, can outmuscle defences and brushes off defenders easily. He is a player that can hold on to the ball with his back against the goal, which will be very useful when the Magpies are playing against stronger teams and play on the counter-attack.
Flair player
Joelinton is the kind of player who can get the fans off their feet, and will be a huge hit with the passionate Newcastle United fans who have not much to cheer about lately.
The Brazilian is brave enough to attack and take on defenders, while also working hard to find his teammates with a clever pass.
He will be a good fit for the lone striker role at Newcastle, which is how new manager Steve Bruce will most likely play next season. He can shoot from distance, while also making smart runs in the box to find space to receive the ball and shoot.
Good work-rate
Apart from his talent and technique in attack, Joelinton also has good work-rate, helping his teammates to press and defend against the opposition.
He averaged 1.3 tackles per game last season while averaging 1.2 passes blocked per game.
Joelinton’s work-rate will be key for Newcastle who could be under the cosh against the big sides in the Premier League.