Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has backed Joe Willock to improve, amid a tricky spell for the midfielder.
Willock signed for the Magpies in the summer for a reported £25 million.
His transfer took the club much longer than was hoped, with the club later revealing they are staggering the payments to Arsenal.
His permanent signing was the big priority during the last transfer window.
Willock had flourished during his loan spell last season, scoring eight goals for the Magpies.
He made huge contributions to the club’s survival bid, and supporters spent the summer clamouring for him to return.
Nobody ever expected Willock to replicate that goalscoring form this season.
But Willock has struggled slightly this term, and hasn’t found the net once yet in 2021/22.
Despite his recent struggles, Howe has full belief the ex-Arsenal man can turn things around.
He said (as quoted by the Mirror): “He is a player I believe in. We have not seen the best of him this season. He’s motivated to do well. He will get better and better. He missed a lot of pre-season and it has been stop-start.
“With a consistent body of work behind him we will see him hit a high level.
Time for Joe Willock to step up again for Newcastle following Eddie Howe comments
Willock,22, was never going to come back and bang in the goals with the same regularity as when he was on loan.
But fans did expect a little more from him.
He remains a key player for Newcastle and brings lots of energy and tenacity to the midfield.
He just needs to rediscover that scoring touch and hopefully the goals will then start flowing again.
Newcastle desperately need him to come good. The situation is bleak at the moment and the big-name players simply have to step up.
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