Eddie Howe says Newcastle have a player who does completely ‘unexpected’ things

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Newcastle United have struggled for goals at times this season, which points to a lack of creativity.

The Magpies have sometimes been predictable with their build up, struggling to break teams down with their passing.

Sometimes you need a maverick who is going to do something completely unexpected, which is why Eddie Howe is delighted to have Joe Willock available for selection.

The 25-year-old is still working his way back to full fitness after some major injury problems, but showed on Wednesday why he can be so important for this Newcastle United team.

Joe Willock played very well against Chelsea, and even got himself a goal… almost. His header resulted in Newcastle United taking a 2-0 lead, but it was actually forced over the line by Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. It has gone down as an own goal, robbing Willock of his second of the season.

Eddie Howe praises Joe Willock for his creativity

While the goal was not officially his, Howe was delighted to see Willock have an impact in the box against Chelsea.

The Newcastle United manager has spoken about Willock’s creativity during his pre-match press conference, admitting that the midfielder is so instinctive when he has the ball.

“It’s part of what his game brings [scoring big goals],” he said.

“He’s got that unexpected ability to do things that you don’t necessarily know what he’s going to do. I’m sure Joe doesn’t know. He’s one of those players who acts off instinct. Those instincts are usually creative and goal driven.

“It was great to see him in the box and doing what he does best on Wednesday. We’ve missed it a lot when he’s been injured.”

Eddie Howe needs consistency from ‘underrated’ Joe Willock

We have seen Willock do incredible things in a Newcastle United shirt. There was that goal against Chelsea when we qualified for the Champions League. His ridiculous scoring streak when Steve Bruce signed him on loan. That outside of the boot assist for Alexander Isak.

Willock is such a clever footballer, and he has been a major miss during his injury absence.

Since returning, the big problem for Willock has been consistency. While he was excellent against Chelsea on Wednesday, he was also really underwhelming during the recent defeat to Brighton.

The former Arsenal man has blown hot and cold, which has resulted in him not being a consistent starter for the Magpies.

But there is no denying his talent. Sean Longstaff thinks Willock is ‘underrated’, while so many Toon players talk about the unique ability he brings to this side. He does things that others can’t, and Howe will be keen for him to deliver that quality on a regular basis.