Ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle has told the ‘Glenn Hoddle Footy Show’ podcast that Arsenal’s Joe Willock is capable of scoring goals for fun.
Willock has caught the eye in Arsenal’s last two Europa League matches, where he has netted against Dundalk and Molde.
However, Mikel Arteta has continued to overlook the youngster in Premier League matches.
Willock has not even been named in either of Arsenal’s last two match day squads.
And Hoddle thinks that Willock’s lack of exposure is causing him to miss out on recognition from his national side.
“There’s a really good attacking midfield player at Arsenal, Joe Willock, who should be in the England U21s, in my opinion,” Hoddle said.
“I think he’s a really good talent and I think he’ll score goals for fun. He likes to get in the box, he has a lovely guile about him. Can see the picture. Good vision. Brave with the ball…
“But he’s not in the U21s because he’s not in the first team at Arsenal. He’s a classic example of someone who is having to be held back.”
Willock actually made more appearances than any other Arsenal player last season, but Arteta has seemingly been more reluctant to use him this time around.
Arteta has tended to favour the likes of Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka over Willock so far this term.
That could all change in the coming weeks though, as Arsenal are now searching for more creativity.
The Gunners looked toothless against Aston Villa in their last game, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat, and there is a feeling that Willock could be the man to provide them with the spark in midfield that they have been lacking.
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