Joe Willock: Pundit issues ‘incredible’ Newcastle United claim
Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock’s form “could be key” to the Tyneside club’s chances of survival, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 22-year-old’s link-up with January arrival Chris Wood.
Willock has netted in back-to-back games against West Ham and Brentford as Newcastle stretched their unbeaten league run to six games.
The strike at the London Stadium last month (19 February) was Willock’s first since his loan spell at St James’ Park last season.
The former Arsenal man netted eight goals in 14 appearances for Newcastle in the second half of last season.
Hutton claimed Wood is having a “big impact” on Willock as the midfielder looks to reprise his goalscoring role.
“He was superb last season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“What he did after coming in on loan and that run he went on – it was nothing short of incredible.
“But he’s tailed off this season and he’ll want to add more goals to his game.
“He’s been doing really well playing off Chris Wood, who gives Newcastle something different to Callum Wilson – he’s more of a target man.
“Wood is having a big impact on the likes of Willock because his hold-up play is helping these guys get into these positions, even though he’s not yet scoring goals himself.
“Newcastle are on a great run of form, confidence is high – they’ll be looking to build on that, and Willock could be key to that.”
Willock joined Newcastle permanently in August 2021 for a reported £25million following his goal-laden loan spell.
The Magpies sit 14th in the Premier League and are four points above the drop ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Brighton.
In other news, pundit issues Steve Bruce after Newcastle United star’s “amazing” transformation.