Alan Shearer has praised Joe Willock for his role at Newcastle United this season, but has set the midfielder a challenge for the future.
The 23-year-old was enjoying a rich vein of form before the Premier League was put on hold. He had re-found his shooting boots, finding the net in wins over Southampton and Chelsea.
His goal against the Blues was particularly special, and it was the perfect reward for his hard work this season.
When Willock signed for £25million in 2021, he arrived on the back of an incredible loan spell. His eight goals in the second half of the 2020/21 season made him a hero on Tyneside, and fans were delighted to see him return.
However, it has taken him a while to really establish himself as a permanent Newcastle player.
But that is finally starting to happen under Eddie Howe, who has helped add more than just goals to Willock’s game. His pressing off the ball is exceptional, as he continues to develop into a much more rounded midfielder.
Toon legend Shearer has been impressed, and believes he can get even better in black and white.
Shearer on Willock’s performances this season
Shearer has been answering questions on the Athletic’s website, with readers asking him about topics ranging from the World Cup to his own career.
An Arsenal fan delivered a question to Shearer, wanting to know what their former player Willock needed to do reach a higher level.
“He’s played a big part in the way Eddie Howe’s team have gone about their business this season,” Shearer wrote.
“He’s young and yes he still has improvements to make, but he’s got to move forward with the rest of the team. He’s got to make himself a regular.
“But the potential is there. I like him.”
More to come from Willock
Shearer believes Willock can get even better, and that is a view shared by Howe. The Toon boss has previously spoke about their being more to come from the former Arsenal man.
The challenge for Willock right now is to stay in this Newcastle team. There is already competition for places in midfield, with five players competing for three positions. And there is also speculation that the Magpies could sign another midfielder in the near future.
Therefore, Willock needs to keep improving. That is the only way he is going to stay in this Newcastle team and continue on this exciting journey.
As Shearer says, the potential is there. You can clearly see how much he has improved since moving to St James’ Park. Regular football was just what he needed, having struggled for minutes at the Emirates.
Now he is a consistent starter for Newcastle, and Shearer has challenged him to stay there. We are backing him to do just that.
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