Jermaine Jenas has claimed that Joelinton has his 'best game' for Newcastle United in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday night.

Speaking on the BBC's latest Match of the Day programme (via Chronicle Live), the former Magpies player was still critical of the former Hoffenheim man's display, but claimed that he gave Tyrone Mings a 'torrid' night:

"Joelinton potentially had his best game in a Newcastle shirt but it all seemed to fall apart once they got in that 18 yard box.

"Even into the final third, some of the decision making at times...

"Dwight Gayle and Fraser have got to get closer into positions where they can score goals. Joelinton doesn't get his shot off in the first half.

"These are the situations Steve Bruce is talking about.

"We know Joelinton isn't a true centre-forward and these situations explain that. Just shoot there and anything can happen.

"It was a negative pass. In a weird way it was his best game in a Newcastle shirt and he gave Tyrone Mings a torrid time but it doesn't really matter because he doesn't score goals."

Joelinton tried but not enough quality

It is perhaps fair to say that Joelinton did try his best to help his team out at St James' Park, but ultimately a lack of real quality let him down once more.

As Jenas points out, the 24-year-old - currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt - decided to try and square the ball instead of shoot when he was clean through on goal, which pretty much sums up just how low on confidence he is front of goal at the moment.

The striker failed to record a single shot on target and also lost no fewer than 18 of his duels and was dispossessed of the ball 21 times, the joint-most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Joelinton just needs to get a run of goals to gain some confidence, but at the moment his lack of end product in the final third is costing Steve Bruce's side at a time when they really need him given their precarious league position.

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