Joelinton has spoken out in support of Newcastle team-mate Lewis Miley, admitting it was tough to see the teenager receive criticism online after what should have been a proud milestone.
Miley recently marked his 50th senior appearance for the Magpies with a post on X, though the 19-year-old restricted replies as a precaution due to his age.
While his performance in the weekend’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth – his first Premier League start since February – was largely positive, a small section of supporters questioned whether he was ready for the first team.
That reaction prompted a wave of encouragement from other fans, with club captain Bruno Guimaraes also describing him as a “top player and guy.”
Miley featured again on Wednesday in Newcastle’s 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City, where he partnered Joelinton in midfield. The Brazilian was quick to back his younger colleague.
“It’s always difficult when you see your team-mate get stick,” Joelinton said after the third-round tie. “I have had a difficult time here, too. I know how it is.
“I know the fans are behind the team and a really good young player. He played really well on Sunday. The team has to get better and everyone has to look on the mirror and get better.”
Joelinton added that the academy graduate has a “great future in front of him.”
Miley himself expressed pride in his progress earlier in the week, calling Newcastle’s travelling supporters “amazing” and admitting he was “very proud” to reach 50 senior matches for his boyhood side.
The midfielder’s rise has been rapid. During his breakout season two years ago, he set several records – including becoming the youngest player ever to register a Champions League assist for an English team, aged just 17 years and 226 days.
However, his progress has not been without setbacks. Injuries to his back and foot sidelined him for significant periods, while competition for midfield places against the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali has made breaking into Eddie Howe’s starting XI even more challenging.
Despite that, Miley retained his place in Howe’s side for the clash with Bradford, and the manager praised his contribution:
“I thought Lewie was excellent,” Howe said. “In part, I think he really helped us in the first half. He played some lovely little deft touches and short passes into midfield using Joe and Bruno as a springboard, really, to control that midfield area.
“He’s come back into the team and produced two really good performances back-to-back. I thought he was really good against Bournemouth in maybe a slightly different way to tonight, but he’s developing his experience all the time and I’m really pleased with him.”
