Eddie Howe has hailed Callum Wilson as an 'outstanding goalscorer' after the Newcastle United number nine looked 'as good as ever' following his double in the 2-1 win against Burnley.
It was Wilson who opened the scoring from the penalty spot at Turf Moor on Sunday before the Newcastle striker scored his side's second goal on the hour mark with a smart first-time finish. Maxwel Cornet may have pulled one back for the hosts, but Newcastle held on to relegate Burnley on the final day of the season.
Wilson's clinical display felt like another timely reminder that the 30-year-old still has a huge role to play in Newcastle's future. Indeed, it came just six days after a similarly impressive performance against Arsenal in Wilson's first start since recovering from a troublesome calf injury.
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Howe may want to bring in more firepower this summer, but any additions will be tasked with easing the burden on the club's top scorer rather than replacing him. Howe, after all, believes Wilson can stay fit over the course of a campaign even if the Newcastle head coach recently admitted it will be a 'challenge' to keep the striker in 'prime physical condition'. An intense pre-season will be crucial to doing just that and it is worth noting that Wilson missed just three league games in his last full season with Howe and his staff at Bournemouth in 2020.
With the World Cup on the horizon in the winter, Wilson will be desperate to hit the ground running and there are few better match day finishers in the Premier League than the fit and firing Newcastle number nine on his day.
"Callum is an outstanding goalscorer, an outstanding striker at this level," Howe told reporters. "We've missed him greatly this season. It can't be underestimated what a big void that has been for us to fill, but I think Chris Wood has done a magnificent job for us.
"Callum's returned to play and two 90 minutes is an incredible achievement for him, and I'm sure the two goals will make his summer feel better. He's returned looking as good as ever so a big congratulations to him."
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