BBC pundit Garth Crooks suggested that Callum Wilson’s start to life at Newcastle has got off to a ‘slow burner,’ despite the forward being named in his Team of the Week for his display against Everton.
Wilson registered another two goals for the Magpies in their 2-1 win against Everton on Sunday, with the 28-year-old taking his tally to six goals in his first seven Premier League matches (Sofascore). That is a record bettered only by Les Ferdinand in terms of reaching six goals in fewer matches for Newcastle.
The 28-year-old’s form has placed him joint-fifth in the Premier League scorers’ charts, having found the net at a rate of 0.87 goals per game, per BBC Sport. However, Everton’s in-form marksman Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been even more prolific, registering eight goals so far this term after he scored a late consolation goal against the Magpies.
Wilson has outlined his England ambitions and even suggested that he was waiting for Gareth Southgate’s call ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures this month, per Chronicle Live. However, he faces competition from Calvert-Lewin and others for a place in the squad.
Writing for BBC, Crooks suggested that Wilson’s start to the season has been a ‘slow burner’ by comparison with Calvert-Lewin, despite singling him out for praise for his performance against the Toffees.
Crooks said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin has made it clear he can play in this league, and James Rodriguez’s ability was never in doubt. While their performance against Newcastle was marginally better than their shocker at Southampton, they still look off the pace.
“Meanwhile, Callum Wilson’s arrival at St James’ Park has been a slow burner in comparison but has given Newcastle a cutting edge, especially at home. Wilson’s craftiness to draw a penalty from Everton’s Andre Gomes was astute and so was the conversion.”
Read Newcastle verdict
It seems bizarre to suggest that Wilson’s start to life at Newcastle has been anything other than a major success, especially considering he has now scored six goals in seven games compared with the eight goals in 32 appearances he managed for Bournemouth last term (Sofascore).
However, you can see where Crooks is coming from in the sense that, by comparison with Calvert-Lewin, Wilson has not had quite as sensational a start to the season. That is crucial in terms of his England chances – with captain Harry Kane virtually guaranteed a spot, there is a race for other places between Wilson, Calvert-Lewin and the likes of Danny Ings, Tammy Abraham and Patrick Bamford.
Newcastle must continue to provide Wilson with the service on which he thrived against Everton, but their sometimes cautious style could see chances at a premium for the centre-forward. One thing is for sure, though – he was thoroughly deserving of a place in Crooks’ Team of the Week.
