Joelinton reveals how he dealt with Newcastle United criticism

The £40million striker struggled for form last season following his club-record move from Hoffenheim.

Joelinton was handed the coveted No.9 jersey, but he wasn’t ready to lead the line on his own in Steve Bruce’s first season at St James’s Park.

The 24-year-old has been helped this season by the arrival of Callum Wilson, signed for £20million from Bournemouth. Wilson has instead led the line, and Joelinton has made a contribution from other positions, notably the left.

Joelinton combined well with Wilson in Wednesday night’s goalless home draw against Liverpool.

Asked what had changed for him, Joelinton said: “There’s more experience after completing a season. You understand the league better, the opponents better – and the style of play, I think that the most important thing is the experience gained.”

Wilson has scored eight goals – four of them penalties – so far this season.

Joelinton added: “The way he plays, he really contributes to the team up front – he really occupies the centre-backs, he holds the ball up – and it allows him to play one-twos with me.

“He provides me with a lot of freedom on the pitch – I believe his style really helps my game.”

Joelinton also addressed criticism of him in an interview with the club’s matchday programme for the Liverpool game.

"I’ve never paid too much attention to the press,” said Joelinton, who signed a six-year deal at United last year.

“I knew when I came here that if things weren’t going well on the pitch, there would be a lot of demands on me and lots of criticism, but I’ve tried to put those to one side and not really look at them or pay attention to them as it would be unhelpful to do that.

"I just focus on the positives, on all the people around me who are there to help me – and not look too much at the negatives. I was aware of the criticism, but it’s not something I followed or looked at.”

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