As Newcastle United star Joelinton was called up to the national team for the first time, the big story in the Brazilian media is about his change of position.
The 26-year-old never had the chance make his international debut as a striker, but since his switch to midfield, he started drawing more attention and finally got his place in the squad.
Joelinton spoke this week at a press conference (via Globo Esporte), and when talking about his role, he made nice comments about Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
“With Eddie, since his arrival at the club, my career has been reborn, the change of position was natural, happening little by little. When he arrived he already saw that I had the quality to do it, I’m very happy in the position. Eddie is a guy that I have total respect and affection for, since his arrival at the club, always giving me confidence and helping me to evolve.
“This evolution comes since I changed my position and started playing in the middle. Last season, we had the sale of Newcastle and the arrival of the new coach. I knew that last year was difficult, with the team already formed for the World Cup, but I knew that if I kept evolving – and that’s what I did, I never stopped working – I knew that my time would come. Now I’m here, I hope to show my quality to come back another time.”
Brazil will be facing Guinea and Senegal in their upcoming friendlies, and even though those games aren’t supposed to have a big impact, it should worth a lot for Joelinton and other newcomers.
The reason is that the national team is under the command of an interim coach while they wait to appoint a new permanent manager. Things have been this way since Tite’s departure in December.
So the Newcastle star must now take the chance and leave a good impression so he can establish himself before the next coach arrives in the job.
