Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has defended Magpies midfielder Joe Willock after a fan questioned his recent performances in a Live Q&A for the Athletic.
Willock has been a key cog in Eddie Howe's well-oiled machine so far this season and has contributed two goals and two assists in 15 appearances to the Magpies cause - with both goals coming in their final two matches before the winter break - in what has been an excellent start to their Premier League campaign.
But some football fans aren't convinced by the youngster, including a fan of his former club Arsenal who put the question to Shearer that Willock was an 'unrefined player'.
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However, the former Newcastle man has been delighted with the 23-year-old 's performances so far this campaign and highlighted how he's been a regular starter for Howe in a very competitive dressing room that has been on top form all season long.
"I’m not sure if you’ve seen him recently? He’s played a big part in the way Eddie Howe’s team have gone about their business this season," Shearer responded while talking to a fan for the Athletic.
"He’s young and yes he still has improvements to make, but he’s got to move forward with the rest of the team. He’s got to make himself a regular. But the potential is there. I like him."
After Willock's electric 2020/21 season where he managed eight goals in just 14 games for the Magpies, it's been a quiet time in front of goal for him. Over the last season-and-a-half, he's only managed half of that tally but has already notched more goals for the Magpies than he did for the Gunners in less games.
If Howe and his system is able to get former struggling players like Joelinton and Miguel Almiron in the form we've seen so far this season, he could turn Willock into a real playmaker for Newcastle's future.
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