Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock did not impress journalist Lee Ryder on Saturday with his below-par display against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Toon secured a point away to the Seagulls to continue their unbeaten run after their opening two games of the new Premier League season.
However, it was a difficult afternoon for the Magpies, who struggled to get a foothold in the game and ended the match with just one shot on target.
And it was apparent Willock failed to provide much of an attacking spark for Eddie Howe’s side, having failed to provide a key pass or complete a successful dribble – albeit providing the only shot on goal himself (via SofaScore).
After the game, Ryder wrote about his disappointment with Willock’s lack of influence going forward for the Toon with the deadlock there to be broken, as he awarded the 22-year-old with just a 6/10 rating:
“Plenty of notable defensive work but couldn’t provide spark from midfield that was needed. Will have better games,” wrote Ryder for The Chronicle.
TIF Thoughts on Ryder’s comments…
It was a really quiet afternoon for Willock, as the midfielder was withdrawn after 76 minutes having only touched the ball 39 times and completed 21 passes (via SofaScore).
Does Willock need to be upgraded?
Yes
No
Willock has failed to provide any real attacking input for the Toon since his initial loan spell at the backend of the 2020/21 campaign.
Last season, Willock was only able to provide two goals throughout his 29 league appearances for the Toon and failed to register a single assist (via Transfermarkt).
Meanwhile, the Toon have been linked to playmakers such as James Maddison and Lucas Paqueta, and on the back of performances like this, perhaps it is understandable why Howe may want another attacking addition for his midfield.