What the Brazilian media are saying about Joelinton as Newcastle United star drops 4/10 display vs Colombia

Joelinton’s return to the Brazil national team turned out to be a bittersweet experience, coming just days after his heroic performance in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.

The 28-year-old midfielder was instrumental in ending Newcastle’s 54-year trophy drought, delivering a monstrous display at Wembley that many hailed as the best on the pitch. His efforts earned him widespread praise and cemented his status as a fan favorite.

However, his joy was short-lived as he quickly swapped club duties for international commitments, rejoining the Brazilian squad for the first time since November 2023. Unfortunately, his return to the Seleção did not go as planned, with Joelinton enduring a challenging night in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia.

Initially named on the bench, Joelinton was thrust into action earlier than expected, replacing the injured Gerson in the 28th minute. Deployed in midfield alongside his Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton struggled to replicate the form that made him a standout performer at Wembley.

Just 13 minutes after coming on, he made a costly error, losing possession cheaply on the edge of his own box. This mistake allowed Liverpool’s Luis Díaz to capitalize and equalize for Colombia, leveling the score at 1-1. To compound matters, Joelinton was also shown a yellow card during the match, adding to his frustrations.

Despite his error, Brazil managed to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. While the result was a positive one for Brazil, Joelinton’s performance drew criticism from the Brazilian media.

Globo Esporte handed him a rating of 4/10, stating, “He came on poorly. In addition to losing the ball at the edge of the area during the Colombian goal, he gave space to his back and arrived late in some disputes. He received a fair yellow card.

In the 39th minute of the second half, he caused danger with a shot from the edge of the area.” Goal.com echoed this sentiment, also awarding him a 4/10 and noting, “Came into the match early due to a Gerson injury and immediately committed an error, leading to Colombia’s opening goal. He recovered well in the second half, but that mistake loomed large until Vini’s winner.”

The criticism from the media highlighted a rare off-night for Joelinton, who has been a consistent and influential figure for Newcastle this season. His error against Colombia was uncharacteristic, but it served as a reminder of the fine margins at the highest level of football.

Despite the setback, Joelinton will have an opportunity to redeem himself in Brazil’s next World Cup qualifier against Argentina, a match that promises to be fiercely contested. While Bruno Guimarães will miss the game due to suspension, Joelinton will hope to feature and make amends for his previous performance.

Once his international duties conclude, Joelinton will return to Newcastle, where the Magpies are gearing up for a crucial final stretch of the Premier League season. With 10 games remaining, Eddie Howe’s side is pushing for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Joelinton’s physicality, work rate, and versatility make him a key player in Howe’s plans, but his disciplinary record is becoming a growing concern. The Brazilian has accumulated nine yellow cards this season, leaving him just one booking away from a two-match suspension. If he receives a 10th yellow card in the next four games, he will face a ban, which could be a significant blow to Newcastle’s ambitions.

Joelinton’s disciplinary tightrope is nothing new, as his combative style of play often sees him walking a fine line. However, with so much at stake in the final weeks of the season, Newcastle will need him to maintain his intensity while avoiding unnecessary bookings.

The club’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot could hinge on his availability, making his discipline a critical factor in their success.

For now, Joelinton will focus on representing Brazil and putting his Colombia performance behind him. His resilience and determination have been hallmarks of his time at Newcastle, and fans will be confident that he can bounce back stronger.

As the season reaches its climax, Joelinton’s contributions will be vital in determining whether Newcastle can achieve their lofty ambitions and continue their remarkable rise under Eddie Howe.