Ex-Newcastle star explains why Bruce deserves credit for Joelinton transformation

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been hailed for taking Joelinton’s game to new levels – but predecessor Steve Bruce deserves some credit.

This is the view of former Magpies forward Kieron Dyer, who reminded fans that Bruce started the Brazilian in a deeper role before Eddie Howe came in.

Dyer told talkSPORT: “Newcastle won’t like me for saying it but to be fair to Bruce, he did start playing Joelinton as a midfielder but obviously.

“Eddie has taken his game to another level just like he has with [Miguel] Almiron.”

Where once Joelinton was loathed by Newcastle fans, he is now loved and among their most popular players as the Magpies fend for a spot in the top four.

It has been a brilliant season so far for the club, who find themselves third in the Premier League and have lost once in the league with the likes of Almiron, Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes all starring.

Teams now dread travelling to St. James’ Park, where they are unbeaten this season and Dyer shed light on what an imposing place Newcastle’s home ground can be.

Speaking about Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, a match where Joelinton scored, Dyer said: “It’s the best place to play when everything is going well and the fans have got a team to be proud of.

“It could be one of the worst places to play as well when they’re disgruntled. But yeah, you see in the tunnel before the game – Leicester were in for a game and they were beaten as soon as they came out.

“You could just tell that there was only going to be one winner and it was Newcastle.”