This is Les Ferdinand's must-read verdict on Joelinton

Les Ferdinand has given his verdict on Newcastle United No.9 Joelinton.
Joelinton.Joelinton.
Joelinton.

Ferdinand wore the famous jersey with distinction for one season before the arrival of Alan Shearer at St James’s Park.

And the former United striker, now director of football Queens Park Rangers, has spoken about Joelinton’s first season on Tyneside for the launch of GiveToLocal’s new #InspiredToGive campaign.

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Joelinton, signed from Hoffenheim last summer for £40million, has so far only scored one Premier League goal, and the club-record deal has been questioned by fans.

However, Ferdinand said: “I’ve seen Joelinton play in the past – before he signed for Newcastle – and he’s a modern-day centre forward who can play down the left and the right as well as through the centre.

“He actually prefers playing on the left or right rather than through the middle, but I accept that he has the look of a traditional centre forward. He’s got all of the attributes to do well at St James’s Park, and I honestly believe he can come back stronger given the chance.

“There are huge pressures associated with wearing the No.9 shirt for Newcastle when you consider the people who have worn it before.

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“I hope the fans continue to get behind Joelinton and realise that, just because he’s not a traditional No.9, it doesn’t mean that he can’t be a real asset. He works so hard for the team and deserves support.”

Les FerdinandLes Ferdinand
Les Ferdinand

Meanwhile, Ferdinand is backing #InspiredToGive, which aims to help local communities and grassroots sport during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I loved my time in grassroots and non-league football,” said Ferdinand. “It brings together so many people from different backgrounds, and they’re working towards a common goal.

“The sense of community underpins everything that’s so positive about grassroots sport. This campaign is a fantastic example of that.”

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Tyneside-based GiveToLocal, launched late last year with the aim of putting £5million a year into grassroots football clubs, already helps 32,000 registered teams across the country, and it has now been extended to eight more sports.

“What we do isn’t just about supporting our sports clubs,” explained GiveToLocal chief executive Neil Gardiner. “It’s about supporting local communities by bringing clubs, local people and local businesses together.”