Joelinton

Joelinton covers more ground than almost anyone else on the pitch, pressing defenders into mistakes and then carrying the ball forward himself once he has won it back cleanly. That combination of physical intensity and close control is rare, because most players built for one usually lack the other. It comes directly from his years learning to lead the line before Newcastle moved him into midfield to solve a completely different problem.

What he sacrifices is the end product a specialist number eight might offer instead of him. He creates fewer clear chances than his work rate suggests he probably should manage. That leaves fans arguing endlessly whether his ceiling is as a selfless engine or as something closer to the pure goalscorer he was originally signed to become at Newcastle.