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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe | Getty Images
Joe Willock has endured a roller-coaster ride at Newcastle United but is showing signs of a resurgence in recent weeks.
Joe Willock has opened up about his struggles on the sidelines for Newcastle United.
Whether through injury or a lack of form, the midfielder has spent considerable time as a backup in recent years. Willock arrived as a goalscoring No.10 on loan from Arsenal before committing to the black-and-white cause entirely in 2021.
Within months, the Saudi-backed takeover took place, but Willock played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s early rebuild under PIF. However, Willock has been in and out of the team since Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali became the trusted midfield trio.
Joe Willock resurgence
Willock has started the previous four Premier League games while contributing in the FA Cup and Champions League. Scoring away at Paris Saint-Germain last mont was the highlight as he rebuilds his confidence at St James’ Park.
Joe Willock honest about Newcastle United struggles
As quoted by ChronicleLive, Willock has now discussed the “hard” times when not getting the opportunity. He said: "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.”
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‘I’m enjoying my football’ - Joe Willock
Willock also declared that he is fit and firing for the Magpies once again. He added: "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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