The Newcastle United star has enjoyed a new lease of life this season
Joe Willock of Newcastle United celebrates
Joe Willock of Newcastle United celebrates in Paris(Image: 2026 UEFA)
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Joe Willock has had a real renaissance at Newcastle United. The midfielder looked to have become a fringe player at the club after struggles for form and fitness, but has forced his way back into Eddie Howe's thinking after a string of impressive performances this season.
Now one of the club's longest-serving players, Willock - who joined Newcastle in 2021, initially on loan - hasn't had a straightforward career at the club, and had been tipped for a move away in January with just 18 months left on his contract.
However, his form over the last couple of months meant that was never a real option and the player capped his return to the starting XI with a goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw with holders PSG last month.
Willock has now made 28 appearances for Eddie Howe's side this season, and with the Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley injured, his role has become an important one.
After two seasons struggling with injuuries which have made getting a run in the side difficult, Willock is now regularly involved.
It's reward for hard work done behind the scenes, although the former Arsenal made admits there have been some tough times.
"It's hard sometimes, you can get discouraged. As a player, you come in to play and be involved and try and help your teammates and show the best version of yourself. When you're waiting to get that opportunity, sometimes it's hard.
"It's about staying level-headed and keep working hard, and when your opportunity comes, try to play well.
"In a team like this, it's never going to be a straight line to get an opportunity to play. I've played a lot of games in my career and been in football a long time, so I know that if you keep doing the right things then your time will come.
"I've been in the game since I was 18, 19. It's been a long time, so many things have happened - injuries, ups and downs, not playing, playing week in week out. I've gone through a lot.
"It's been a lot of ups and downs [this season] but that's football. I'm really enjoying my football now, I'm just trying to come in with a smile every day, work hard and do my best for the team.
"I'm feeling fit and healthy. I'm happy that I've played well, and I think I can do way better and score more goals and keep pushing on."
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