Jetro Willems has been a shining light so far this season, marking himself out as one of Steve Bruce’s most reliable at the back.
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Jetro Willems has faced 26 ground duels so far this season, and he’s won 23 of them – with this 88% success rate it's the best from any Premier League full back as things stand. #nufc
— NUFC HQ (@NUFC_HQ) October 17, 2019
Jetro Willems, who signed in the summer on a season-long loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, may have had a torrid debut game for the Magpies – but has since went on to show the fans why he was brought to St James Park.
The 25-year-old, according to WhoScored.com, currently averages 1.8 tackles per game with a similar clearance and block record – but where Willems really stands out is his passing success rate, with 82.5% of his passes finding a team-mate.
It’s clear the Netherlands international adds some much-needed fluidity when passing out from the back, and his comfort on the ball highlights himself as a real asset to this Newcastle side.
However, this isn’t the only statistic that has baffled supporters – with a recent tweet stating: “Jetro Willems has faced 26 ground duels so far this season, and he’s won 23 of them – with this 88% success rate it’s the best from any Premier League full back as things stand.”
Understandably, Newcastle supporters have flocked to this message and voiced their praise for the defender:
And how many fans were calling for his head after his debut . 😫
— Spike Murrells (@Balloonknot247) October 17, 2019
Good Stat that. 👍
— Jordi Ridley (@mridley81) October 17, 2019
Good player, only concern is his positional play, a bit like Yedlin he can get caught out by movement.
— Ben (@Bengn87) October 17, 2019
Great player
— Rob (@Robknufc9) October 17, 2019
Certainly is. We need to make@his move permanent which I believe is around £8million mark. Would be a bargain in current times
— Gary Christie (@gaztoon84) October 17, 2019
@DannyMilne4 Jetro is a baller, as expected
— Charlie (@CharlieMilne1) October 17, 2019
