'Hybrid': Jamie Carragher says Newcastle have a 'fantastic' player who is excelling in three positions
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Despite enduring what turned out to be an underwhelming summer transfer window, Newcastle United have enjoyed a solid start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Eddie Howe’s side are seventh in the league table with three wins, two draws and a loss from six games and most recently played out a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at home.
Anthony Gordon scored for the Magpies against the champions and has been the talk of the town in recent weeks as he looks set to sign a new deal at the club.
However, it is Joelinton who has caught Jamie Carragher’s eye, with the Brazilian earning rave reviews for his versatility in recent weeks.
Jamie Carragher says Joelinton plays multiple roles for Newcastle United
In recent weeks, Joelinton has been used as a left-back in a back four and as a wing-back in a back three aside from his usual midfield role.
Carragher feels the Brazilian’s ability to excel across multiple positions isn’t being talked about enough as he went on to lavish praise on the former Hoffenheim man.
"It was the role, the hybrid role, just defensively,” said Carragher on Monday Night Football.
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“When you talk about a hybrid role at times, maybe, with the ball and without the ball, but he [Joelinton] had three different roles defensively.
“That's a lot of tactical instructions to take on for a player. I just thought it was fantastic."
Joelinton a vital cog for Eddie Howe
Newcastle United have a handful of big names in their squad like Gordon, Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, so Joelinton hardly gets a mention.
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However, the Brazilian midfielder – who was actually a striker when he signed for the club from Hoffenheim – is someone who always performs when fully fit and is capable of playing multiple roles across the pitch.
The 28-year-old is held in high regard at St James’ Park and there’s a case to be made that he is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.
