Newcastle United do not have a lot to celebrate after their 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League.
There are not many positives to take, with Nick Pope’s error tarnishing what could have been a special Champions League night for the Magpies.
Instead, Newcastle United were beaten by Marseille as they failed to build on Saturday’s seismic triumph over Manchester City.
It is another frustrating result for Eddie Howe, but the Newcastle United manager will at least be able to take heart from Joe Willock’s performance at the Stade Velodrome.
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When the Newcastle United starting XI was announced on Tuesday night, the big surprise was the inclusion of Joe Willock.
He was deployed on the right of attack, making just his third start of the season. The fact he was starting came as a shock, but the 26-year-old certainly seized his opportunity.
Willock was one of Newcastle United’s best players in the first half, showing brilliant energy and getting into dangerous positions. He almost scored in the second half too, stinging the palms of Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
It was a decent showing from the £25million man, whose performance suggests his Newcastle United career is far from over.
Willock’s Newcastle future has become uncertain in recent months. Jacob Ramsey’s arrival threatened his role in the squad, while the fact his contract is up in 2027 raised suspicion that he could be sold.
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His influence had waned, but that appeared to change on Tuesday night. Willock proved there is still life for him at Newcastle United, as he sets about earning a new contract from sporting director Ross Wilson.
Eddie Howe gave Willock a chance, and he seized it with both hands. It should result in him playing more and more over the coming weeks, which is an exciting prospect if he can re-find his best form.
Joe Willock bounces back after Eddie Howe’s message in October
As we have said, it was a surprise to see Willock in the starting XI. Earlier in the season, he was barely getting any opportunities to prove his worth.
Eddie Howe was asked about Willock’s lack of minutes at the beginning of October, with the midfielder sent a firm message over what he must do in order to be selected.
“It would be the same of any player in his position,” he said.
“He needs to train well, fundamentally. Whenever a player is not playing as much as they want, they still have a window to impress me every day.
“And of course, when they play, when they get on the pitch, they’ve got to perform and grab every opportunity that comes their way to then get more minutes.”
Willock has clearly gone and done what Howe asked of him. He was trusted to help Newcastle close out victory against Manchester City, then he was trusted to start versus Marseille.
Long may this renaissance continue, as Willock is a very valuable player when he is at his best.
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