Joe Willock has thrilled boss Eddie Howe with his ‘hugely satisfying’ change in mentality by sacrificing scoring for Newcastle United’s greater needs, via quotes by The Northern Echo.
The midfielder stunned at St James’ Park on loan from Arsenal last season to help the Toon avoid relegation. He scored eight goals over 14 Premier League appearances, including in his debut under Steve Bruce before hitting home once in each of his final seven outings.
Willock’s efforts helped lift Newcastle clear of the drop zone before Bruce pushed through a £25m permanent move last summer. But the 22-year-old has failed to recapture the form he managed over the second half of last term this season with zero goals after 19 games.
Howe unconcerned by Willock drought at Newcastle
Willock’s drought as a full-time Newcastle star does not worry Howe, with the midfielder’s dogged efforts thrilling his boss instead. The Toon coach admires how the former England U21 international is now in the thick of the action at the other end of the pitch as needed.
“He’s someone we’ve worked really hard with and he’s shown a great attitude to show different qualities of his game,” Howe said. “Joe’s naturally a very talented lad.
“Last season, we all saw the number of goals he scored. But right now, he’s knuckling down for the team and showing huge discipline. You could see [it] at the end against [Aston] Villa.
“He was there blocking shots and stopping crosses late into the game, which is hugely satisfying from my perspective to see. I think there’s just been a slight change of mentality from him.”
Howe will want to see goals from midfield soon
Willock was lively throughout Newcastle’s win over Aston Villa as Howe composed a third Premier League win in a row. He also coupled the defensive work that pleased his boss by bursting forward and winning the game-winning free-kick that Kieran Trippier converted.
Howe will hope Willock can now maintain the level of form showed against the Villans. But the Toon boss will surely also hope to see the midfielder find his creative touch again soon.
Jonjo Shelvey is the Magpies’ top goalscoring midfielder in the Premier League so far this season with two. Only Callum Wilson (6) and Allan Saint-Maximin (5) have also hit home more than the 29-year-old. No central midfielder is also yet to offer two or more assists.
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