Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has suggested that his relationship with Ryan Fraser could help to ensure his positive form at the start of the campaign continues.
The Magpies have made their best start to a season since they were promoted in 2016/17, and one of the key reasons for that has been the form of Wilson, who has excelled since he made the £20m move from Bournemouth in the summer.
Wilson added another two goals to his growing tally with a brace in the Magpies’ impressive 2-1 win against Everton on Sunday. The 28-year-old has now managed six goals in his first seven Premier League appearances for Newcastle, a rate of 0.9 goals per game (Sofascore).
Fraser has not had quite the same impact since he also made the move from Bournemouth in the summer. However, the winger managed to set up Wilson’s first goal against Everton on Sunday in a performance which showed signs of the impact he could have over the rest of the season.
Speaking to The Mirror, Wilson outlined that his instinctive relationship with Fraser – built up at Bournemouth – could now prove key to helping the Magpies maintain their strong start to the campaign.
The English striker said: “As soon as he was into that position I knew where the ball was going to end up.
“I just make sure I am waiting there for when it does come. It was on the goal line, but I’ll take a finish like that all day!
“I am delighted for him. He has joined and is still getting himself up to speed. It will do him the world of good, he will take confidence from that assist.
“He has had to adapt playing here playing in numerous positions which is sometimes difficult. He is a good character, a good player and has played in most positions.
“He is good on his left foot, gets the ball into the right area and as a striker you make sure you are in the right area.”
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Wilson and Fraser struck up a very good partnership at times for Bournemouth, which was most notably demonstrated during the 2018/19 season when Wilson claimed 14 goals and 10 assists, while Fraser recorded seven goals and 14 assists for the Cherries.
The pair have not yet been able to strike up that same relationship on Tyneside, with Fraser having been in and out of the team at the start of the campaign. However, against Everton, the signs were there that the Scotland international could be ready to secure a regular place in the side.
The pair could be crucial in helping Bruce’s team continue to create and take chances in the final third. Newcastle fans might want to see a more expansive style of play from the Magpies, so having the pair striking up a positive partnership on the pitch again would go a long way to satisfying that demand.
