Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall believes that Joe Willock is going to be a ‘really big player’ for the club, but insists the midfielder is still ‘developing’.
The 22-year-old has struggled to live up to the £25m (Sky Sports) price-tag that Mike Ashley stumped up to Arsenal to secure his signature, following an influential six-month loan spell on Tyneside earlier this year.
The England under-21 international finished last season with seven goals in seven games, to finish his loan spell with eights goal from 14 matches, under Steve Bruce.
Following his permanent signing, it was hoped that Willock would kick on, replicate last season’s influential performances and help form a devastating trio alongside Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.
But that hasn’t materialised.
In 10 Premier League appearances so far this season, Willock has failed to register a goal or an assist.
Tindall spoke about the club’s talented midfielder ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Arsenal.
What Tindall said about Willock
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle on Willock, Tindall said: “Joe’s an exceptional talent as everybody at this football club knows. We know as a group of coaching staff and I’m sure the players know that themselves.
“Joe Willock’s still got a lot of developing to do as have all the players, he’s a young lad, got off to a great start when he arrived at the football club last year.
“He had a fantastic impact and we’ve been really pleased with Joe’s performances in training and the level of effort and commitment that he delivered against Brentford. He’s a huge talent.
“I think he’s going to be really a big player for this football club in the future.”
It is hoped that a return to the Emirates to face his former side could prove to be the moment that ignites Willock’s second spell at the club.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken about how much the club loves Willock and that it was a ‘difficult decision to let him go’.
Willock started Eddie Howe’s first game in charge, in the 3-3 home draw against Brentford, but was replaced by Ryan Fraser when the Magpies were chasing an equaliser.
Newcastle’s number 28 will be hoping that his performances in training mean that he retains his place in the starting line-up ahead of facing his former club.
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