In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee who made 280 Premier League appearances, has praised Joelinton for being one of Newcastle's best players between either box, but can't understand his decision making when he gets to the final third.

Joelinton was signed in 2018 and became Newcastle United's record signing with the club paying Hoffenehim £40 million after a season in the Bundesliga which saw him score and assist seven times.

The Brazillian was also handed the number nine shirt which has been worn by the likes of Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole and Malcolm Macdonald, which naturally heightened expectations immediately.

Speaking on how good Joelinton can be between boxes and how he always does the wrong thing when he enters the opposition's box, Lee told FFC:

"If he came for £5-10 million you'd probably think 'yeah that's not bad', but when you arrive for £40 million and you wear the number nine shirt then the pressure is massively on you and I don't understand why they paid that amount of money for him.

"He was immense against Aston Villa, probably our best player until he got to the box, and then when he's in the box, he always makes the wrong decision.

"When you want him to shoot he passes and when you want him to pass, he shoots, it's just a conundrum of how you play him. 

"I'd say to him unless it's completely obvious, then when you get in the box and you've bullied someone you shoot and just try to hit the target."

Joelinton has scored just seven goals in 72 games for Newcastle which has left the Newcastle hierarchy and scouting department with egg on their face.

It's still unclear what the preferred position is for the £86,000 per week striker, with Bruce admitting he isn't like other strikers.