Michael Owen told Premier League Productions that Arsenal loanee, Joe Willock, ‘could be the difference’ between Newcastle staying up or getting relegated.
The 21-year-old channelled his inner-Frank Lampard over the weekend as he helped Newcastle secure a thrilling last-minute draw at Anfield.
Whilst Arsenal’s midfielders struggle to put the ball into the back of the net in North London, Willock has scored four since his January move to St James’ Park.
Former England striker, Owen, was full of praise for Willock’s unique quality from the middle of the park and his game-changing impacts from the bench.
“Joe Willock, getting into the box like he did last week with an unbelievable header to secure three points,” said Owen. “Again, this week.
“Goalscoring midfielder. Newcastle aren’t blessed with many goalscoring players in their team.
“So if they can get a midfield player like that to score goals and a few big goals then he could be the difference between them going down or staying up.”
Even though Willock is hundreds of miles away from London in Newcastle, he is perhaps edging himself closer to regular first-team football at Arsenal next season.
A player with a striker’s intelligence and a light touch, Willock has to be considered by Mikel Arteta next season.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are proof that Arsenal’s academy is thriving despite their abject campaign on the pitch and their now-sorry European Super League plans.
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