Joe Willock: Pundit issues ‘massive’ verdict on Newcastle star after what he spotted v West Ham
Joe Willock could become “massively important” to Newcastle if he can emulate his scoring run from last season, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old “ran the midfield” against West Ham.
Willock netted his first goal of the season as Newcastle claimed a 1-1 draw away at West Ham on Saturday (19 February).
Speaking post-match and quoted by the BBC, manager Eddie Howe branded the midfielder a “goalscorer” and hoped that his strike against the Hammers is “the first of many”.
Willock’s form in front of goal stands in stark contrast to his six-month loan spell with the Magpies last term, during which he grabbed eight goals in 14 Premier League games.
Whelan hailed the 22-year-old for his “excellent” improvised finish.
“If he can put a run together like last season, it’d be massively important,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He ran the midfield and was massive against West Ham, and against a midfield which included Declan Rice.
“He was fantastic on the ball, very composed, working it into good areas. And of course, he managed to claim that brilliant goal – what an excellent finish. He saw something that no one else could usually see in that area.
“It was the decisive moment in the end which gave them the impetus. Not only go on until the end of the game, but also to keep this Newcastle run going.”
Willock cost Newcastle a reported fee of around £25million in August of last year (2021).
The Magpies sit four points clear of relegation danger with 14 league games remaining.
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