Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was impressed by Joe Willock’s display against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The midfielder was handed a start in the Carabao Cup tie and lasted just over an hour before being substituted. Reacting to one impressive bit of play from Willock, Shearer said:
“Great counter-attack from Newcastle there. Joe Willock gets the ball on the halfway line, and no one was going to stop him.”
“Doesn’t half make a difference when he is in the team, picking the ball up and driving the team 30-40 yards up the pitch.”
Willock has made his case for more starts
The former Arsenal player has been used sparingly for league games this campaign, being given 20 minutes here and there by manager Eddie Howe.
Willock’s only start outside of the Carabao Cup came against Fulham, but he was substituted at half-time during the 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage last month. It could be time for him to get another chance in the first eleven based on his Chelsea performance.
Injuries have curtailed Willock’s Newcastle career
One of the main reasons why Howe has not trusted the 25-year-old to start more often is due to his poor fitness record. Since joining on a permanent basis from the Gunners in the summer of 2021, he has spent a good deal of time on the treatment table.
Overall, Willock has been sidelined for 48 games over the last three years. It is not a huge amount but the Magpies have never been able to rely on him to play a run of matches.
Even when he scored against Nottingham Forest in an earlier round of the Carabao Cup this campaign, he was forced off the pitch due to an injury scare after just 15 minutes. If he can stay fit for a longer period of time, he could prove to be a big asset for Howe.
Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here