Newcastle United drew 1-1 with West Ham United on Saturday and Joe Willock was one of many players who impressed. Lee Ryder of Chronicle Live gave the 22-year-old a player rating of 9/10, Dominic Scurr of The Shields Gazette gave him a player rating of 8/10 and Tody Cudworth of 90min gave him a player rating of 8/10.
Willock scored the equaliser for Newcastle and stepped up well in Allan Saint-Maximin’s absence, so much so that Noel Whelan showered him with praise after the game. He told Football Insider: “Against West Ham, Joe Willock took that mantle on brilliantly, carrying the ball forward really well. The players must take great credit because they’ve shown that it’s not all about one player in that team.”
The England U21 international has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal. Willock hasn’t been at his best since turning last season’s loan move permanent over the summer, but he’ll be pleased with his showing against West Ham – as will Eddie Howe.
Willock started alongside Jonjoe Shelvey and Joelinton in midfield on Saturday, playing for 87 minutes, having 51 touches, completing 84% of his 25 passes, having five shots with 20% hitting the target, making two tackles, blocking one shot, having one interception and having four attempted dribbles.
He’ll hope to impress when Newcastle lock horns with Brentford on Saturday.
In other news, Noel Whelan says Allan Saint-Maximin has been Newcastle’s ‘main player’ this season
