Emotional Eddie Howe declares love for Joelinton - Reveals secret behind Brazilian's transformation

Eddie Howe has revealed that Joelinton's incredible focus, constant hard work and ability to absorb new information so quickly has been key to his transformation.

The NUFC boss also hailed the levels he reaches in training and praises his underrated ability on the ball, saying his 'technical capabilities are very, very high.'

Not so long ago, he was seen as the biggest flop in the club's history. Now, just a few months later, he's gone from £40m forward who couldn't hit a barn door to this bulldozing Brazilian who is bullying opposition midfield's on a regular basis!

Speaking to talkSPORT's Sam Matterface, an emotional Eddie Howe reveals just how "desperate" the 25-year-old has been to turn things around on Tyneside, declaring his love for an "incredible guy" who he's developed a "really good relationship" with:

“[Joelinton’s] an incredible guy.

“He’s very, very focused on his football, very humble, very hardworking and a really, really good trainer. 

"He’s desperate to succeed and do well for Newcastle, and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person.

“We have a really good relationship and he’s also a funny guy! He’s got a unique dress sense and he’s got a bit of Brazilian flair!

"I love him.” 

Howe was then asked just how he's been able to transform the former goal-shy forward into a box-to-box midfielder:

“Firstly, his defensive understanding and his tactical understanding of everything we’ve asked him to do has been very, very good.

“If you tell him something once, it sticks. You don’t have to tell him over and over again.

“So, his defensive delivery of the position has been at the highest level. 

“And then his technical capabilities, which you can’t really doubt, are very, very high. And, of course with his centre-forward background, he has an eye for goal and it showed against Brentford.

"He has all the qualities to play in that position and he’s done it very well.”