Steve Bruce earlier this week had claimed that Andy Carroll would not be fit for the Liverpool vs NUFC game meaning Joelinton is the only recognized centre-forward in the squad right now.
The 23-year-old was signed for a staggering fee of 44 million euros from TSG Hoffenheim this summer but so far he has failed to deliver.
During the current Premier League season, Joelinton has played 335 minutes of football across 4 games but has managed to find the back of the net only once – a very poor start for such an expensive signing.
But speaking before the Liverpool vs NUFC clash, Jurgen Klopp chose to shower praises on Joelinton while appreciating Newcastle United’s fighting spirit.
The German said(as reported): “Newcastle will fight like crazy. Like they did at Tottenham. They had 20% possession at Tottenham but they deserved the points. This will be a real challenge for us.”
“They had a really difficult summer with Rafa leaving. For Steve, for sure a difficult job…following after Rafa is never easy. He did fantastic so far.
“Maybe the first one against Norwich wasn’t too nice, but close games and good results. Very difficult to play, same style as last year.
“Rondon got replaced by Joelinton. If they were looking for a similar player to Rondon, perfect choice. Really, he can keep the ball, he is a proper threat, he has the speed and all that stuff.
“The wingers are quick and they have five at the back, so they are difficult to create chances against and are always ready for counter-attacks.
“It won’t be easy. People expect it, probably, but I am really impressed by the solutions they have found so far.”
VERDICT:
Joelinton is clearly taking time to settle down and we don’t see him pulling off any major heroics during the Liverpool vs NUFC game.
Also since the Magpies will be playing away from home, the 23-year-old will have to be ready to do a lot of running without the ball meaning he won’t be able to sustain more than 70 odd minutes.
And to make an impact in that time frame against the likes of Matip and Van Dijk is next to impossible.
