Eddie Howe says 24-year-old Newcastle player has a unique ability that no other player in the squad can boast

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Eddie Howe has given huge praise to one of his Newcastle United stars who has found things very difficult with injuries this season.

Newcastle have had their fair share of injury problems this season having lost a number of key players throughout the campaign though now they are close to having a fully fit side.

The return of Joe Willock in particular has had a huge impact on the team and speaking ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Chelsea Howe has shared how the midfielder has something unique about him.

Howe pleased to have Newcastle star back in the team

Newcastle’s results had started to take a hit with their midfield options very limited and the combination of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley proving to be too slow for the Premier League.

Willock return from his injury against Arsenal and instantly made an impact by scoring a brilliant header late on in the game in which Newcastle had been very poor defensively.

In the next game against Wolves the 24-year-old again had a big impact with a top performance that saw him drive the team forwards and cause a lot of issues for Gary O’Neil’s side despite having less possession.

Howe believes that Willock has a unique ability to drive with the ball and find the back of the net, something he thinks Newcastle have been lacking as of late and is pleases to see the return of.

On Willock, Howe said: “He’s come back looking really good, I have to say. I have to give him a big pat on the back for how he’s looked, because it’s not been easy for him.

“He’s someone that’s so young and ambitious and determined to play and do well. Being out injured is not something that he’s been used to and dealing with that sometimes takes a bit of experience to know what to do and how to handle yourself.

“He’s done really well with his rehab, he’s really matured in certain aspects of his personality – which he’s had to do to come back from the injury that he’s had – and I think that’s then shown in his play.

“He’s got a unique mix to his game. He’s got real good running capacity and pace in his game, but also he knows where the goal is. He’s very popular in the dressing room. The players love playing with him.”

Newcastle are close to getting back to their best

After an incredible season which saw them qualify for the Champions League last year, this campaign has been a bit of a reality check for Newcastle fans, but against Wolves they looked to be back to their best.

Injuries and suspensions as well as an increased number of games has taken its toll on the squad which has put Howe under a lot of pressure, but a strong finish to the season for Newcastle is certainly still on the cards.

With just one game a week until the end of the season Newcastle have the opportunity to return to last year’s form with this current crop of players who were so impressive in the final run of games in the previous campaign.

Willock will no doubt be key to that run should he be able to stay fit, and Howe will be hoping that he suffers no more bad luck with injuries after an unexpected number of knocks this season.