Micah Richards hailed the ‘brilliant’ Arsenal loanee Joe Willock and claimed that Newcastle now need to sign ‘more quality of his ilk’, as he told Sky Sports on Wednesday evening.
Willock became the youngest Premier League player to score in six games on the bounce when the Arsenal academy star scored the winning goal as Newcastle saw past already-relegated Sheffield United last night.
Whether it’s from the bench or when he is starting games, Willock has shown a goalscoring knack from the middle of the park that is desperately needed at Arsenal right now.
And whether this road to Newcastle now leads him back into the first-team picture at Arsenal remains to be seen, but one this is for sure, Richards thinks he has been an ‘excellent’ signing for those in the North East.
“He has done really well,” said Richards. “His impact in scoring goals. He has come off the bench and now got his starts.
“I like him because he always gives 100%. When you are going from Arsenal to Newcastle then people are saying ‘is he going to play?’ ‘Is he going to make a difference?’
“And he has made a difference. That’s the key. When you go out on loan, it’s not just to play football but you want to showcase to the world what you can do. And they (Newcastle) need to bring more quality of this ilk to the club.
On his record-breaking goal: “Brilliant. Excellent signing. Making a difference and that’s what you have to do.”
It would be no surprise to hear that Willock has built a bit of a following in Newcastle and he is a player that those at St James’ Park would be keen to bring back next season.
But as much as Newcastle want his talents, it’s also needed at Arsenal, who are heading for a season without European football after 25 years.
Of course, someone like Mikel Arteta has to provide him with that chance and it will be interesting to see the reaction of those in the Arsenal boardroom if Newcastle put an offer on the table for Willock’s services.
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