Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith has urged Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle to start Joelinton against Everton on Monday night, insisting the Brazilian's physicality and power are vital in midfield.
The Magpies face the Toffees at St James' Park in the Premier League just days after crashing out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Joelinton's importance highlighted
Speaking to BestBettingSites.co.uk, Smith said: "Joelinton is so important. He understands the role in there. He gives you physical presence."
"Obviously, sometimes he oversteps the mark with his tackling. But I think he and Gonzalez in the middle there are a good combination, and he offers protection."
"So yeah, he is a very important player. They brought in Steur, but he's a teenager. Joelinton, they need him in there."
Cup exit and selection decisions
Jaissle was left frustrated after his side dominated possession and had almost 30 efforts on goal, yet were undone by sloppy defending, poor turnovers and erratic finishing.
The United boss made just one change from the team that beat Crystal Palace, resting Joelinton and starting Jacob Ramsey in midfield. Ramsey was hooked at half-time, with Joelinton restored to the pitch.
There has been increased clamour for youngster Sean Steur to be brought back into the midfield, but Smith believes Joelinton must start against Everton.
Altercation after late goal
Joelinton will be eager to face Everton after becoming embroiled in a clash with James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford towards the end of the cup game. The trio, along with Dan Burn, were involved in a heated altercation after Burn's late goal.
Newcastle have an immediate chance for swift revenge against David Moyes' side, with the second game of the double-header taking place on Monday night at St James' Park.
