Joeliton, a Brazilian offensive midfielder who formerly played for Sport, was awarded Newcastle’s best player for the 2021-2022 season. Because the vote to pick the team’s ace was conducted by the fans themselves, he affirmed that he had become loved by the fans. On the 16th of May, the prize was presented.
“Being able to reach this last stretch with this prize is a source of tremendous delight and satisfaction.” This season has been full with accomplishments, and it’s wonderful to be recognized for them. “I share this with all of my teammates, coaching staff, fans, family, and friends that are with me,” the Brazilian said as quoted by Newcastle’s social media channels.
Your 2021/22 Player of the Season is Joelinton! 🙌🇧🇷
⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/64PXPJD6G4
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 16, 2022
Joeliton was born in 1996 in Aliança, Pernambuco, and was discovered by Sport in 2014. He quickly established himself as one of Recife’s top names, but he attracted the interest of Europe and was transferred to Hoffenheim in Germany in 2015. Between 2016 and 2018, he was on a two-year loan at Austrian Rapid Vienna before being transferred to Newcastle United in 2019.
Having done so well in Germany, the English club paid €40 million (about R$170 million) for his services. He did not, however, establish himself as an offensive player at Newcastle. Joeliton began to play more in the rear, in midfield, with the appointment of coach Eddie Howe in the middle of the season, and became a crucial component of the team’s comeback in the Premier League — the club even battled relegation.
Joeliton’s numbers and performance
Joeliton’s top Premier League stats during 2021-2022 can be seen here. The information was obtained from the SofaScore website. His key attribute is his ability to assist the team in scoring and attacking at the same time while flowing in both the defensive and offensive areas of the midfield.
- Games: 34;
- Goals: 4;
- Assists: 1;
- Sure passes per game: 20.6 (78%);
- Ringtones: 45;
- Long balls: 0.7 (55% hit);
- Interceptions per game: 1;
- Tackles per game: 2.1;
- Balls recovered per game: 0.6;
- Cuts per game: 1.4;
- Penalties committed: 0;
- Successful dribbling: 1.1 (53% hit);
- Dispute for winning balls: 7.1 (46% hit);
- Duels won on the ground: 4.2 (43%);
- Air duels won: 2.9 (50%);
- Expulsions: 0.
Even with the prize, Joeliton recognizes that the season was not a success. For the majority of the season, Newcastle battled relegation in the Premier League. The plan is to compete for the title next season.
“I had a fantastic season.” Many things have occurred, but I am grateful that I was able to assist the team in remaining in the Premier League. When asked about his award, the Brazilian said, “I hope the next season will be better.”
No Brazil
Joeliton only played in Brazilian territory for Sport in 2014 and 2015. The player won two championships in a short period of time: the Pernambuco Championship and the 2014 Northeast Cup.
In 2012, he was called up by then-coach Marquinhos Santos for the Brazilian under-17 squad. Coach Tite has never recalled him and he has never defended the main national team, but that might change soon if he continues to play well.
About Newcastle
Newcastle is a classic English football team. The Magpies, who are based in Newcastle upon Tyne, play their games at St. James’ Park, which has a capacity of 52,000 spectators.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund purchased the club in October of last year, promising significant investments in the squad. Since then, numerous notable acquisitions have been reported, including Brazilian Bruno Guimares, who was purchased for €40 million (about R$245 million at the time) from Lyon, France.
The award for the best player of the season, which Joeliton won, is a Newcastle tradition that dates back to 1975. This was the first time a Brazilian had achieved this accolade in the club’s history.
