Eddie Howe has left the door wide open for Joe Willock to be a key player for Newcastle United again.
The 26-year-old has been becoming the forgotten man at St James’ Park, having barely featured this season.
He has made just four appearances in all competitions, starting only once. That was as a left winger in the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth.
Worryingly for Joe Willock, he has often been an unused substitute. Before his brief cameo in Newcastle United’s win over Benfica, he had failed to get off the bench in five consecutive games.
It has been difficult to see a way back for the Toon midfielder, but Eddie Howe’s latest comments suggest that he certainly should not give up hope.
Joe Willock is challenged for the ball during Newcastle United's Champions League game against Benfica.
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Eddie Howe’s unprovoked praise for Joe Willock
As Newcastle United prepare to face Fulham on Saturday, Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media.
He was asked about Jacob Ramsey challenging Joelinton for a place in the Magpies’ midfield, but used the question as an opportunity to talk about what Willock can bring to his side.
“I don’t think you can underestimate the strength of the midfield players we have,” he said, as shared by the club’s official YouTube channel.
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“We forget Joe Willock’s qualities. He’s been an outstanding player for us, historically. We’re just trying to get Joe back to his very best form.
“All those players will bring their own unique qualities in that position.”
The fact that Howe took the chance to praise Willock without even being asked about him is a testament to how highly rated the midfielder still is.
With his ability to travel with the ball at speed, he provides something totally different to the rest of the Newcastle United midfielders. However, the problem for Willock has been consistency and fitness.
He has had so many injury problems over the past couple of years, while he has failed to recapture the magic that had him on the brink of the England squad in 2023.
Joe Willock will eye Newcastle United opportunity in the Carabao Cup
The worry for Willock this season has been that opportunities are not going to come his way. His minutes have been limited enough as it is, and now Jacob Ramsey is fully fit and ready to show Toon fans what he is capable of.
Ramsey’s arrival at St James’ Park has been bad news for Willock, but Howe’s classy words would suggest there is a route back into the fold for the former Arsenal man.
That could come in the form of a Carabao Cup start next week, with the Magpies facing Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park. It is an important game for Newcastle as the holders, but it is also another match that will see Howe rotate.
That could open a window of opportunity for Willock, who has been challenged to get back to his best form by the Newcastle United manager.