Michael Carrick has told PLP’s Matchday Extra that Joe Willock has become the “go-to man” for Newcastle United of late. The midfielder has been superb of late, showing the form he produced while on loan last season.
Willock, 22, was superb for Newcastle during the second half of last season – scoring an impressive eight goals in 14 appearances. It saw Newcastle spend £25million to sign the midfielder from Arsenal on a permanent basis.
However, his form during the first half of the season – under Steve Bruce – failed to live up to the early hype. But since the arrival of Eddie Howe, Willock has enormously improved and even got himself on the score sheet.
Speaking about Willock on PLP’s Matchday Extra show, ex-Newcastle academy player Carrick was full of praise for the England Under-21 star. He thinks the midfielder is now Newcastle’s “go-to man”, he has “come alive”.
“Willock is an important player for them, he has come alive. He is turning into their go-to man, in a lot of ways he’s been important for them,” Carrick said, when asked about Newcastle on PLP’s Matchday Extra Show.
Carrick on Willock: Newcastle are now out of a relegation battle
Newcastle have now gone eight Premier League matches unbeaten, picking up 18 from a possible 24 – having won five and drawn three. An incredible run that will come to an end, but one that has got them out of a dogfight.
Willock has been pivotal to that. Newcastle have won five of their last six and Willock has started all six of those games. His energy, his enthusiasm and his goal threat has been crucial – scoring two in his last three games.
Eddie Howe has improved numerous players since joining the club – Ryan Fraser, Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Willock. The way Newcastle are playing, there is no reason why they cannot break into the top half of the table.
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