"Beast" - £60m Liverpool star claims Newcastle player is the toughest he's faced
If you asked someone to name Newcastle's standout players you'd probably expect Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali to be named first.
On technical ability alone, the trio stand out in this squad, although we do have a number of quality operators with Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Anthony Gordon and others all well worthy of a mention.
However, if there is one player that sums up this Eddie Howe team in terms of mixing ability with power, grit and a fierce determination, a certain South American stands out...
Liverpool star makes Joelinton admission
In a recent interview featuring Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai, Joelinton's name cropped to remind all Newcastle fans what a big miss the Brazilian promises to be over the final three weeks of the 2024/25 season.
Speaking to Sky, Szoboszlai was asked to name the toughest opponent he's faced in the Premier League almost two years on from his £60m arrival from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
His response? Without hesitation, it was Joelinton, who he described as a "beast" as he shook his head in disbelief.
"Joelinton...beast", he said. "Pfft, he's just a beast!"
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai when asked for his toughest opponent in the Premier League:
“Joelinton. Pfft, he’s just a beast!” 🗣️🇧🇷
A massive miss for #NUFC in the closing weeks of the season… pic.twitter.com/kfMHOjL7QQ
— Magpie Media (@MagpieMediaX) May 5, 2025
This sums up Joelinton's impact and the boost he gives us before a ball is even kicked. Opponents know they are in for a battle when coming up against the 6ft 2' powerhouse who mixes his size with aggression and that relentless will to win every duel.
Little Joe has big boots to fill
While big Joe recovers from a knee issue that appears to have ended his season early, Joe Willock looks to have taken that left-sided midfield slot.
He's started our last two and shown signs of a player yet to find his best form, with a season featuring injury niggles and no league goal playing a part now he's been thrust into the team with three cup finals left to secure a top five finish.
We know Willock can drive with the ball at pace and offer a goal threat at his best, but it's also vital he does the dirty work in the other direction, with Joelinton's presence and physicality down that left side so key to win to our defensive structure.
With Caicedo and Lavia to come on Sunday as Chelsea come to town, we need to see Willock back to his best and, at the very minimum, busting a gut to offer at least some of that presence we miss without Joelinton.
