Lineker Hails Joelinton’s Stellar Turnaround After Newcastle’s Carabao Cup Win
Football pundit Gary Lineker has publicly commended Joelinton for his exceptional display in Newcastle United’s recent Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool. This praise comes three years after Lineker seemingly took a jab at the Brazilian midfielder on social media, highlighting the player’s remarkable transformation at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle ended a long 70-year wait for domestic silverware on Sunday, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed the win, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Toon Army.
While the Carabao Cup win was undoubtedly a team effort, with Newcastle dominating Liverpool for significant portions of the match, the performance of Joelinton stood out. The Brazilian, who has transitioned from striker to midfielder, was widely recognized as a game-changer, effectively controlling the midfield battle.
Joelinton’s impactful performance wasn’t limited to attack. He diligently man-marked Liverpool’s key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, consistently tracking back to bolster the defense, and simultaneously posing a threat in Newcastle’s attacking plays. His energy and presence were felt across the entire pitch.
On “The Rest Is Football” podcast, Lineker, alongside former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, analyzed the game post-match. Lineker described Joelinton’s contribution as “absolutely superb,” particularly admiring the player’s boundless energy and engine.
“What was striking was the consistent high level of performance across the Newcastle team,” Lineker observed. “Every player delivered. They were energetic, fearless, and brimming with confidence. They effectively controlled the game against Liverpool, pressing with intensity and dominating the midfield – they were truly excellent in that central area.”
Lineker specifically reiterated, “I thought Joelinton was absolutely superb. He was everywhere. And honestly, you could say that about almost every Newcastle player on the pitch.” This glowing assessment marks a significant shift in perspective for Lineker regarding Joelinton.
From Social Media Jibe to Sideline Applause: Joelinton’s Newcastle Evolution
The praise from Lineker becomes even more noteworthy when considering a resurfaced social media post from May 2021. Following Joe Willock’s record-breaking achievement of scoring in six consecutive Premier League games as the youngest player, Lineker’s tweet made a pointed comparison to Joelinton’s then goal-scoring record.
At that time, Joelinton was primarily deployed as a number nine under manager Steve Bruce and was struggling to find the net consistently.
Lineker’s tweet read: “Great achievement from @Joewillock scoring in 6 consecutive Premier League games. That’s as many as Joelinton has scored in 2 seasons.” This tweet highlighted the perceived goal-scoring deficiencies of Joelinton in a somewhat critical manner.
However, under the guidance of current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, Joelinton has undergone a remarkable transformation. Deployed in a deeper midfield role alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, his versatility and strengths have been unlocked. He has flourished as a powerful, box-to-box midfielder, contributing significantly to both defense and attack.
Eddie Howe himself has frequently voiced his admiration for Joelinton’s evolution. “He’s developed into a beast, a machine,” Howe stated in November. “He’s a player you can count on to deliver, irrespective of the position he plays. His mental fortitude and unwavering desire to win are evident in everything he does. He always gives his absolute best. And yet, I believe there’s still more to come from him, especially in terms of goals.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Gary Lineker lauded Joelinton’s performance in the Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool.
- This praise contrasts with a past social media comment from Lineker critical of Joelinton’s goal-scoring record.
- Joelinton’s transformation from striker to midfielder under Eddie Howe is widely acknowledged.
- His impactful performance included man-marking Dominik Szoboszlai and contributing to both attack and defense.
- Newcastle United secured their first domestic silverware in 70 years, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final.
Table: Joelinton’s Transformation
| Aspect | Before Transformation (as Striker) | After Transformation (as Midfielder) |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Striker (Number 9) | Central Midfielder |
| Role | Primary goal scorer | Box-to-box, defensive and offensive contributions |
| Public Perception (Lineker’s initial tweet) | Goal-scoring struggles highlighted | Praised as “superb” and “game-changing” |
| Key Attributes Highlighted | N/A (criticized for goal scoring) | Energy, work rate, versatility, defensive contribution, offensive threat |
Ready to witness more of Joelinton’s midfield magic? Follow Newcastle United’s journey and stay updated on their upcoming matches and player performances! Share this article with fellow football fans and join the conversation about Joelinton’s incredible resurgence in the comments below!