Newcastle United have £40m 'under the radar' star no one can get the better of

If there is one man who encapsulates the seismic change in Newcastle United's fortunes under Eddie Howe, it has to be Brazilian midfielder Joelinton.

The very fact we can call him a midfielder is testament to the changes the Magpies head coach has brought to the United No 7's game. From misfiring striker to midfield dynamo, the 28-year-old is an intergral part of how Newcastle play.

Already this season we've seen him as a ball-winning midfielder, anchor man, attacking playmaker, left-sided forward and then, against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, on the right side of a front three. Oh, and he's also dropped into the back line to stifle Manchester City's attacking flair.

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His goal against Forest was fitting reward for another lung-busting display at the City Ground, and it was a performance that caught the eye of all those watching - including former Tottenham and West Ham manager Harry Redknapp.

The experienced Premier League boss feels the Brazilian's contribution sometimes goes under the radar, although certainly not by his United team-mates, and has praised his ability to dominate game.

"I think Joelinton goes under the radar at times, he’s such a tough player to face in midfield," Redknapp told BetVictor. "Physically, I don’t see anyone getting the better of him. He’s tall, quick and so strong and he forms a nice partnership with Bruno Guimaraes in there. His goal against Nottingham Forest was superb, a lovely strike on his left foot."

One worry for United is the fact that Joelinton is on four yellow cards for the season already, meaning another booking would lead to a one-match ban. However, Howe can at least turn to Sandro Tonali or Lewis Miley as potential replacements, or bring in Harvey Barnes in the left-wing role.