James Maddison is a major transfer target for Newcastle United this summer, but Eddie Howe already has a player who is creating more big chances than the Leicester City star.
Joe Willock took his tally to 11 on Thursday, providing a sensational assist for Joelinton during Newcastle‘s 4-1 win over Everton.
It was a brilliant piece of play from the midfielder, who was praised for his pace after the game by pundit Joleon Lescott. Willock is enjoying a sensational few days, with his latest assist coming after he produced the pass of the season to set Alexander Isak up against Tottenham.
Joe Willock creates more big chances than Maddison and Saka
The 23-year-old now has six assists to his name this season, and has created 11 big chances for his teammates. That is more than Maddison, who has 10, and more than Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka, who has eight.
Interestingly, both of those players have more assists than Willock. Saka has created 11 goals, while Maddison has created seven.
But Willock is creating better quality chances based on this stat from the Premier League’s official website. They describe a ‘big chance’ as a ‘a situation where a team should reasonably be expected to score’.
Willock has done that 11 times, more than Maddison and Saka. It really highlights his quality in the final third, and shows why he should be getting an England callup very soon.
Kieran Trippier is Newcastle’s chief creator
But while Willock is higher up the charts than Maddison and Saka, he is not the leading Newcastle player. That honour belongs to Kieran Trippier, who has created 20 big chances this season. That figure is only bettered by Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bruno Fernandes and Kevin de Bruyne.
It is a staggering achievement for a right-back, and shows what a weapon he is for Eddie Howe. He is not just a brilliant defender and leader – he is also chief creator.
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