Newcastle desperately need Willock to start repaying £25million fee in points

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Following the return of Callum Wilson, Newcastle’s attacking threat has significantly enhanced, but we could pose a greater threat if Joe Willock started to contribute.

The former Arsenal man, who was signed on a permanent deal for £25million (Sky Sports) this summer, hasn’t had anywhere near the same impact he had when he joined the club on loan during the second half of last season.

In Graeme Jones’ first game in interim charge of the Magpies, Willock found himself on the bench alongside Miguel Almiron.

With a home clash against the league leaders Chelsea to come on Saturday, Jones will probably stick with Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden, but Willock will be targeting a recall in the place of Ryan Fraser, who failed to grasp his opportunity.

Willock wasn’t signed to win tackles

In the eight Premier League games Willock has featured in this season, he has only mustered seven shots on goal and created three chances (WhoScored).

But instead the 22-year-old still finds himself in the league’s top eight for the average number of tackles per game. Willock averages three tackles per game for the entire campaign so far.

Despite being on the pitch for 24 minutes against Palace, Willock only registered two passes.

It’s going to be a big task for the new manager to get Willock closer to Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Instead of playing in a midfield three, the England Under-21 international would be better in a 4-2-3-1 formation, playing in front of a two-man midfield pivot, where he could arrive late in the opposition’s penalty area and get closer to Wilson.

After finishing last season with seven goals in seven straight games, Willock might be struggling with the burden of a big price tag. But he needs to have the shackles released.

Playing in a side that is leaking goals is difficult, so he’s naturally had to do more defensive work, but if the new manager brings in quality reinforcements that improve our defence and midfield, then Willock could be the biggest beneficiary.