EDDIE HOWE has admitted that Joelinton’s performance in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea has added to his selection dilemmas on the left flank.

Joelinton was pushed into a wide-attacking role as part of Newcastle’s front three last night, having spent pretty much all of the season so far in a deeper-lying midfield role.

The Brazilian responded with arguably his best performance of the season, with his aggression and high-pressing playing a major role in his side’s victory.

Newcastle boast a number of attractive options on the left flank, with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both regarding a left-attacking role as their best position.

Joelinton is also now part of that equation, with Howe having been hugely impressed with both the South American’s performance and the way in which he linked up with Joe Willock, who was playing behind him.

READ MORE:

“It’s a difficult position for me to pick from,” said the Newcastle boss, whose side were handed a home quarter-final against Brentford in last night’s draw. “We have an array of riches on that left-hand side with Anthony, Harvey and Joey (Joelinton).

“When Joelinton and Joe Willock play together, they dovetail in that position really well. I’m not sure what the final solution to that is, other than that we have very good players competing for places, which is what we need in all areas of the pitch.

“Today, we utilised Anthony on the right of the pitch, and I thought he did fine. I thought Joelinton and Joe Willock did really well down the left, and I was delighted with the solidity they both gave us.”

Joelinton played in an advanced wide-attacking role for much of the season that culminated in Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League.

Pushing into the final third plays to his strengths, even if he is not a natural wide player in the mould of either a Gordon or a Barnes.

“He’s not your conventional winger,” added Howe. “He’s a hybrid of different qualities, but plays the position brilliantly for me. He always has done.

“If someone said to me, ‘What’s Joelinton’s best position’, I’d struggle to give you one answer. That’s a brilliant thing for me to have within the squad, but sometimes when you pick a team, it’s not just about having a player in a certain position, it’s about the relationships that they form around them.

“It’s the understanding, and bringing the best out of other players. I thought Joelinton and Joe Willock did that together.”