Eddie Howe now claims Newcastle have a player who can make his teammates even better

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Newcastle United enjoyed a thoroughly brilliant time of things on Saturday.

Eddie Howe’s side followed up their statement 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday with a well-deserved 1-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

Alexander Isak’s first-half header was enough following a brilliant cross from Anthony Gordon to tee it up.

Newcastle then managed the game broadly well and goalkeeper Nick Pope was rarely truly tested, aside from good chances for both Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.

It was another performance to suggest Newcastle were getting back to their very best. Consistency has been an issue at times but that’s now two promising displays on the bounce.

As you can imagine, the Newcastle United manager was full of praise for a number of players, including the excellent Lewis Hall.

After the game, however, the boss spoke in glowing terms about a certain Joe Willock.

Eddie Howe names the Newcastle star who makes others play better

Howe had talked up the partnership of Willock and Joelinton following the win over the Blues and again praised the former Gunners midfielder for his ability to link-up well with others.

Asked about Willock’s display, Howe revealed it’s not just Joelinton who benefits from having his teammate in the side.

“I think Joe is really well liked within the squad,” he said (via The Northern Echo).

“He’s a very popular lad. He’s got really good relationships when he’s in the team, with players around him.

“He dovetails really well with Joelinton, and you could see them interchanging positions today.

“Joe and Alex [Isak] also have a really good relationship on the pitch, and naturally, when you have those feelings around certain players, it can elevate the players around you. Joe is capable of that.”

Joe Willock is responding to Newcastle’s coaching staff

Only recently was it suggested that people at the club actually thought Willock was enduring a difficult season, amid a relative amount of frustration about his performances.

Still, the midfielder appears to be getting to something approaching his very best again now. Like the team as a whole, it’s taken a while, but things finally appear to be clicking into gear for Willock.

In a midfield packed with so many compelling options, it’s fantastic to see.

Long may it continue.