Although Newcastle United were missing one or two key players against Liverpool, the return of Joelinton was crucial to Eddie Howe’s side winning the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle lost two of the three Premier League games Joelinton missed recently through a knee injury, but fortunately he was ready well in time to face Liverpool.
In the past, the Brazilian was a figure of ridicule at St James’ Park, often criticised for his lack of goalscoring as a number nine.
However, Howe has reinvented Joelinton in a deeper role and he’s become one of the toughest midfielders to face in European football.
And whilst Dan Burn deserved his praise for a superb performance in the final, Joelinton was also a big difference-maker in overpowering Arne Slot’s midfield.
Gary Lineker explains why Joelinton was ‘absolutely superb’ against Liverpool
That being said, Gary Lineker shared his thoughts on Joelinton’s performance on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.
Lineker was blown away by the Brazilian’s efforts in the middle, an ‘absolutely superb’ performance, even if it may have been on par with the majority of Newcastle’s impressive performers.
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Lineker said: “I think what was really quite remarkable was the fact that every one of Newcastle players played really well.
“Every single one of them turned up, you know, they had great energy, there was no fear. They were confident, they dominated Liverpool.
“As you said, they pressed really well, there was a great energy. They won the midfield battle, they were terrific in that. I thought Joelinton was absolutely superb.
“He was everywhere. And then you can, I mean, you can say the same about pretty much everyone.”
Joelinton wasn’t always praised by Gary Lineker
As mentioned, Joelinton was once the recipient of a lot of criticism on Tyneside when he was being misprofiled as a number nine.
And back in 2021, Lineker actually referenced Joelinton’s struggles in front of goal when praising Joe Willock on X, a post that annoyed some Newcastle fans.
Either way, it’s clear that the 28-year-old has come a long way since then, and he’s deservedly one of the first names on the teamsheet under Howe today.
That being said, Sunday’s final might have gone slightly differently had VAR intervened in the first half when Liverpool demanded a penalty for a Kieran Trippier handball.
Gary Lineker offered his thoughts on Trippier’s handball too, a moment that Newcastle can happily forget now.
