Joe Willock is enjoying a bright start to the Premier League season, and Newcastle United are reportedly happy with his development.
That is according to the Athletic, who state that insiders are ‘enthused’ by the way the 23-year-old’s all-round game has improved.
Willock joined Newcastle permanently in the summer of 2021. He cost £25million from Arsenal, arriving on the back of a sensational loan spell at St James’ Park.
The midfielder’s temporary spell couldn’t have gone much better, with Willock scoring eight goals in 14 appearances for the Magpies. However, we didn’t see much else of Willock’s game beyond scoring goals.
His first permanent season was a lot tougher, with goals drying up. He scored twice last season, but showed more strings to his bow.
Now Willock looks a more complete player, and Newcastle officials are happy with his upwards trajectory.
Newcastle right to be happy with Joe Willock
Willock has been a regular starter for Newcastle this season. He had started every game possible until Sunday, when illness forced him to start on the bench at Old Trafford.
But the former Gunner has been key to Newcastle’s form – an important component in Howe’s midfield. His energy and ability to press is fantastic, while we’ve also seen lung-busting runs against the likes of Manchester City.
Willock’s best performance came against Fulham. Had it not been for Miguel Almiron, he would have been the Magpies’ man of the match at Craven Cottage. He got two assists, although it should have been a goal and an assist.
Goals are the only thing missing from Willock’s game this season – but they will certainly come. He’s been getting in great positions, and should have found the net in the draw with Crystal Palace.
While it wasn’t that long ago, Willock has come a long way since that breathtaking loan spell when he couldn’t stop scoring. The stats suggest he hasn’t lived up to the hype.
But he was never going to match the tally he managed during that blistering period, and is instead showing other sides to his game. And that is the reason he is now a consistent starter for Howe.
Newcastle are happy with Willock’s progress, and the exciting thing is that there is certainly more to come.
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