Matt Targett has praised Joe Willock for his performance in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester City.
The 23-year-old started in midfield once again alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff – a midfield trio that absolutely dominated the Foxes.
Newcastle were at it from the first minute, and had the creativity and intensity to smother their opponents. It took until the second half to make the breakthrough, but the Magpies actually could have been ahead in the first 90 seconds.
A blistering break from Miguel Almiron allowed the Paraguayan to slip Willock in behind. He timed his run perfectly and was able to stab a cross into the penalty area, where Longstaff was sadly unable to hit the target.
It signified a bright start from Willock, and he didn’t stop there. The £25million man ran at the Leicester defence at will, using his outrageous speed to cause Timothy Castagne countless problems. Willock dovetailed with Joelinton brilliantly, as their combinations down the left continue to cause issues for our opponents.
Willock really is an unsung hero of this incredible season, and his great run of form continued in the Carabao Cup quarter final.
Matt Targett praises Joe Willock
After helping Newcastle book their place in the final four, Willock took to his official Instagram account.
Alongside a few pictures from the game, Willock posted the caption: “Semi finals let’s go NUFC.”
It prompted a reply from Targett, who responded with: “Some player.”
After a slow start to his permanent Toon career, Willock really is developing into some player. He has come on leaps and bounds under Eddie Howe, who is a big fan of the England Under-21 international.
Willock has a bit of everything in his game, but the main thing that makes him stand out compared to Newcastle’s other midfielders is his ability to run with the ball at speed. There aren’t many players as quick as him when they are in possession.
Targett has praised his teammate, and will be gutted that he is not involved at the moment. The left-back is currently out with a heel injury, with Howe stating after the Leeds game that he is facing a spell on the sidelines.
It has been reported that he could be out of action for more than a month, which is massively disappointing for the summer signing. After returning to Newcastle permanently, Targett has lost his place in the side to Dan Burn, who scored his first Toon goal in the win over Leicester on Tuesday night.
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