Graeme Souness was impressed with what he saw from Joelinton as the Brazilian forward made his debut for Newcastle United in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at a rainy St James’ Park on Sunday.
Newcastle splashed a club-record fee of £40million on signing the 22-year-old from Hoffenheim in the summer transfer window and Steve Bruce understandably threw him straight into the starting line-up to take on the Gunners this weekend.
After an impressive first-half performance, Souness reckoned that he saw enough from Joelinton to suggest that he will become a good long-term investment for the Tynside club.
“He looks a handful, he’s a big, strong man,” Souness said at half-time on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday [02:53pm].
The former Newcastle manager added: “He’s looked threatening.
“He looks to be an old-fashioned number nine, someone who will drop deep and work his socks off.
“He’s got the power and control to keep the ball in tight areas.
“I think he’ll prove to be a good player for them.”
OPINION
Joelinton looked decent on his Newcastle debut. It was always going to be a tough match for the Magpies and they didn’t do themselves any discredit against a team that is going to be pushing for a top-four finish this season. Joelinton caused issues for the Arsenal defence as they struggled to nick the ball off him and he did have a couple of chances. Unfortunately the Brazilian was feeding off scraps at times. Miguel Almiron looked decent in the first half but faded after the break and once that happened, the Magpies didn’t create as many clear-cut chances. That might be Newcastle’s issue this season – the lack of creativity. Joelinton will be lucky to hit double figures in the Premier League if he isn’t being handed chances on a plate by midfielders and wingers. It wouldn’t be a shock to see most of his goals come from his head or inside the six-yard box.
