Alan Shearer makes ‘huge’ Joe Willock claim ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Fulham

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Eddie Howe inspired Newcastle United’s comeback against Wolves by making three changes at half-time.

The Magpies started slowly at Molineux and Wolves opened the scoring through Mario Lemina to take a deserved lead at the break.

Eddie Howe brought on Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock and the trio made a huge impact with Newcastle controlling the second half.

Fabian Schar drew Newcastle level just minutes before Barnes curled in a superb effort from range to help Newcastle up to third in the Premier League table.

Position	Team	PlayedMP	WonW	DrawnD	LostL	ForGF	AgainstGA	DiffGD	PointsPts
1	Man CityManchester City	4	4	0	0	11	3	8	12
2	ArsenalArsenal	4	3	1	0	6	1	5	10
3	NewcastleNewcastle	4	3	1	0	6	3	3	10
4	LiverpoolLiverpool	4	3	0	1	7	1	6	9

However, Willock – who joined Newcastle for £25m in 2021 – also deserves credit for his role in the win after injecting some much-needed energy into the midfield.

Joe Willock gives Eddie Howe selection headache

Howe got it wrong with his initial lineup against Wolves, especially in midfield where Sean Longstaff struggled to perform.

Willock and Tonali both made a big difference, with the latter adding more composure and stability to the side while Willock offered bursting runs in behind.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer claimed that Willock has a “huge part” to play with Howe now facing some difficult selection headaches.

After discussing Newcastle’s front three, Shearer said: “You’ve got Joe Willock who can play on that side as well.

“I mean, whether he plays in the front three, or as a midfielder left of the three, then he’s a real threat as well.

“I think he makes such a difference to Newcastle. If they can keep him fit, he could have a really good season.

“Willock is a huge part. He gives Newcastle something different with his energy and his ability to run beyond the opposition back four. So he [Eddie Howe] has got some big decisions.”

Joe Willock deserves to start

It may be giving Howe headaches, but having plenty of midfield options is fantastic – and a stark contrast to last season.

On paper, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali are Newcastle’s first-choice midfield but Howe has had to monitor their workload. Especially as Guimaraes was put at risk last season by playing too many games.

After making such a bright impression against Wolves, Willock deserves an opportunity to start against Fulham next Saturday.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe claims £12m Newcastle player has a major part to play this season as his fitness has improved

Longstaff did not do enough to retain his spot in the starting lineup and Willock has also put Joelinton under pressure.

He adds an extra dynamic in midfield that no one else can offer. He links up the midfield to the front three excellently and is a huge asset to Newcastle’s press.