‘Very close’: Eddie Howe claims 22-year-old Newcastle midfielder scores so often in training

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The relentless Premier League schedule continues today as Newcastle United host Everton.

The Magpies have started the season brilliantly and currently sit sixth in the table.

Eddie Howe has been speaking about one of his players, via The Athletic, in the build-up to the match.

Newcastle’s manager will be over-the-moon with how his side have played since the international break.

After two convincing wins on the bounce, Howe’s side then played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford.

The goals have been flowing for Newcastle recently, but Howe has highlighted one player in particular that he thinks will start scoring soon.

Howe admitted that midfielder Joe Willock scores so much in training, but it ‘hasn’t quite happened yet’ in the league.

Willock arrived on loan from Arsenal in the February 2021.

He was pivotal in Newcastle avoiding relegation, scoring in seven consecutive matches, the youngest player to do so in the Premier League.

Newcastle made his move permanent that summer, and he’s been a regular in the first-team ever since.

Willock scores so much in training – Howe

Howe was very positive about Willock, and admitted he thinks his work in training will convert into goals soon.

“I think Joe is improving week on week. He has high standards and expectations of himself, “ Howe said.

“He wants to be a regular goalscorer and goal creator, and that hasn’t quite happened yet, but he’s been in the positions and has been very close to scoring two or three goals.

“In training, he’s a regular goalscorer and those moments will come in games.”

Willock had a fantastic chance to open his account for the season back in August against Nottingham Forest.

He had a fantastic chance to score from close range but put his effort wide of the target.

Against Fulham, Willock probably should have had his first goal of the season as his header was heading for the back of the net.

However, Callum Wilson’s strikers instinct took over, and he tapped it in on the line.

Willock’s performances have impressed his teammates this season, even if he’s not been on the scoresheet.

He’s former a fantastic partnership in the middle of the park with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

In the latter’s absence, Sean Longstaff has also stepped up brilliantly.

The 23-year-old is quickly becoming a really effective box-to-box midfielder and a mainstay in Howe’s team.

Willock will be hoping all the goals he scores in training are converted on the pitch soon.