Southampton should make a move for Hoffenheim’s Joelinton in January
TSG Hoffenheim’s 22-year-old Brazilian forward Joelinton has been making a lot of noise in the German Bundesliga. He was signed by Hoffenheim back in 2015 but made only one substitute appearance in the Bundesliga before being loaned out to Austrian giants Rapid Wien for two successive seasons.
He continued his development in the Austrian top-flight and caught the eye with a series of amazing performances in the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League, scoring a couple of goals against Genk and Athletic Bilbao. Joelinton finished the 2016/17 season with 8 goals in the league and racked up another 7 in the following season.
His growing popularity in Austria prompted Hoffenheim to give him a starting role this season and the Brazilian has taken significant steps towards fulfilling his potential as a centre-forward. He has already taken the German top-flight by storm this season, contributing with 4 goals and 3 assists across 10 appearances, including a hat-trick in a domestic cup game.
As a matter of fact, he has earned rave reviews for his performances in the UEFA Champions League this season, scoring the stoppage-time equaliser in the 3-3 draw against Lyon. He also put up an impressive display against Manchester City in the group stages.
A fast, agile and technically-gifted attacking midfielder, Joelinton is a tactically versatile player who is capable of operating as a wide-forward and a winger in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 formation. His primary attributes are his pace, dribbling, vision and clinical finishing which makes him a perfect fit for the centre-forward position.
He is not the most physically imposing player on the pitch but uses his height to good effect to win headers inside the box. The Brazilian is not only a composed finisher in front of goal but his tactical awareness is also a big asset to the team in the final third.
He has the ability to link-up effectively with his teammates, often operating as a false nine and allowing the other attackers to make runs behind the backline. Furthermore, he is also a good passer and uses his vision to set up goals.
To put things into perspective, he would be an ideal addition for Southampton. The Saints have not only lacked creativity in midfield this term but have also squandered a lot of chances in front of goal. Mark Hughes’ men suffered a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City last week and had to settle for a draw this weekend.
The Saints brought in Danny Ings on loan from Liverpool and the Englishman has contributed with four goals. However, Shane Long, Manolo Gabbiadini and Charlie Austin are yet to break their duck for this season and that is exactly the reason why the Saints have had a dismal start to their campaign.
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Mark Hughes took over as the manager last season and somehow managed to save the club from relegation but he might have another tough job in his hands this term if things do not improve soon enough.
That said, the Saints should try to make a move for this 22-year-old versatile Brazilian in January as he has all the qualities to help them achieve a better goalscoring record in the Premier League.
