Joelinton transformation has caught Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe by surprise

Kieran Trippier’s goal and Dan Burn’s man of the match performance stole the headlines on Sunday in their 1-0 win over Aston Villa at St James’ Park but Howe was quick to acknowledge the performance of his midfield trio, in particular Joelinton.

Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton have all been a huge part of Howe’s side since his appointment in November. The Brazilian has undergone a transformation of sizeable proportions in recent weeks having gone from out of form striker to dogmatic midfielder which includes man of the match performances on several occasions including one against Manchester United. After his place in the team had come under serious scrutiny in the early months of the season, he’s currently flourishing in his new role and keeping the likes of Bruno Guimaraes out of the team.

It’s a makeover that even his head coach wasn’t able to predict.

Speaking after their third Premier League win in a row on Sunday, Howe said: “If you ask when I saw Joelinton from the outside, did I think he’d be a number eight, tracking blindside runs into our penalty area to block crosses, then I’d have to be honest and say, ‘No, I didn’t see that’.

“The first time I saw that was the Norwich game, when he played in that role, and I thought he was absolutely brilliant that day. We’ve continued to develop and work with him on lots of different aspects of his game in that position, and I think his general performances have been so impressive, both with and without possession. That’s a huge compliment to him.”

While Howe singled out Joelinton for praise, it seems clear that he is enjoying what he is seeing from his other midfield counterparts.

As for Willock, he signed in the summer for a reported fee of around £25 million after his prolific loan spell last season from Arsenal. This time around, the 22-year-old hasn’t been quite as productive on the field having filed to score for Newcastle this season.

An attacking emphasis to Willock’s game seems to have been sacrificed as Newcastle’s man in the dugout believes he’s working for the team in a different kind of way.

“With Joe Willock, he’s someone we’ve worked really hard with, and he’s shown a great attitude to show different qualities of his game” Howe added.

“Joe’s naturally a very talented lad. Last season, we all saw the number of goals he scored. But right now, he’s knuckling down for the team and showing huge discipline. You could see at the end against Villa, he was there blocking shots and stopping crosses late into the game, which is hugely satisfying from my perspective to see. I think there’s just been a slight change of mentality from him.”

As for Shelvey, a midfielder who is two appearances away from featuring in the Black and White for the 200th time, Howe rarely shies aways from waxing lyrical about the 29-year-old.

“Then I think Jonjo’s just Jonjo. I think he’s playing his game, but he’s playing it in a very effective way.”

After a choppy start for Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United head coach is starting to see the fruits of his labour laid bare on the pitch.

The Magpies recent upturn in form has given a new slant on their season. A genuine sense of optimism and hope of Premier League survival has garnered off the back of three Premier League wins in a row which has seen them climb out of the bottom three.

The addition of five new signings in the January transfer window have gone a long way to help build some optimism that a fight for survival is on.

However, players have made note of a change in training sessions under Howe and being given a new lease of life.  

When asked by the Northern Echo what changes he’s made within his midfield, he admits that he’s simplified matters for them by going back to basics.

“It’s difficult to answer that question because I’ve got no idea what was happening beforehand. All I’ve done is the work that we think is right for the team in our current position, and with the players that we have.

“I know that sounds quite simple, but it’s a case of just getting the fundamentals right, and that means making sure the work on the training ground is as good and detailed as it can be, and making sure that the team is as organised as it can be.

“Then, it’s about trying to develop every single player to the best of my ability, and that’s always been a huge focus of mine. Whether the player is in the team or out of the team, it’s about trying to make sure every player improves.”

The Magpies return to Premier League action this weekend looking for a fourth straight win when they take on West Ham United at the London Stadium.

They currently sit four points above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier has vowed to fight back from injury as soon as possible after the full-back sustained a fractured metatarsal.

The 31-year-old is set to spend the next few months on the sidelines in what has been seen as a considered blow to Newcastle. The England international has scored in his last two games.