Newcastle put in a lacklustre display as they lost 2-0 to Aston Villa and one man who has drawn the ire of supporters is Joelinton.
Big things were expected of the Brazilian after the Magpies spent a club-record £40m to take him from Hoffenheim, yet he has contributed just one goal in 13 league games.
The striker struggled throughout, with wayward finishing and a tendency to lose the ball – making just 11 accurate passes. It meant that his side were never likely to get on the scoresheet, and now fans are beginning to grow impatient.
Some think he isn’t even an upgrade on Joselu, while others have been critical over his contribution, suggesting he lacks quality and therefore the millions spent on him have been a waste of money.
He was hooked with 20 minutes to go but unfortunately for Newcastle, Dwight Gayle nor Andy Carroll made a particularly big impression either, and that means the attacking department is an issue.
As for Joelinton, he already has a lot to do to prove his doubters wrong, but there is little sign currently that he has what it takes to turn his form around.
Here are some of the reactions to his performance against Villa.
Joselu was better.
— Colin Bestford (@Colin_B_1970) November 25, 2019
Joselu is having a good season as well.
Joelinton is not and never will be good enough, especially as a number 9.
— Geordie Ahmed (@GeordieAhmed) November 25, 2019
I think Joelinton might be worse than Joselu. I’m not even joking. #NUFC
— Jonathan Snaith (@Jonny_Snaith) November 25, 2019
Brazilian Leon Best. Absolutely nothing about him whatsoever.
— Tom (@Tomojo92) November 26, 2019
All jokes aside. Serious questions need to be asked at @NUFC as to who sanctioned the Joelinton deal. I don’t accept “he’s not getting service” because when he does get chances he fluffs it massively. £40m for a player who’s scored about 6 goals in his whole career man 😂😂😂😂😂
— Kriss⚫️⚪️ (@KrissNufc12) November 26, 2019
Got time for ASM but Joelinton and Almiron have been a huge waste of money! Could have invested that money a lot better, team is all over the place.
— Ben Dunn (@dunntoon) November 25, 2019
Yes god yes bench please and joelinton both have been awful. I’d gp with Carroll and atsu until Ritchie is fit get him back on the right asap
— Gregory Kane (@gregkane81) November 26, 2019
Joelinton is the worst striker Newcastle have ever had , just terrible
— David hutchinson (@DavidHutchy94) November 25, 2019
While Joelinton has unimpressed, it is not all of his own making. Read here about how Steve Bruce is failing to get the best out of the 23-year-old.