Kevin Phillips has lauded the confirmed news that Newcastle United have signed Joe Willock on a permanent deal.
The Lowdown: Willock confirmed
The St. James' Park faithful have confirmed the signing of Willock permanently from Arsenal after a successful loan spell in the 2020/21 season.
He was not registered in time to take any part in their 4-2 opening day loss at home to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, but he was unveiled in front of the Toon Army and should be able to play in their next fixture.
The Latest: Phillips lauds Willock signing
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker now pundit Phillips has lauded the signing of Willock by the North East club, but has warned that he should not be put under too much pressure to perform to the levels that he did during his loan spell on Tyneside:
“One word, brilliant.
“Bruce will be delighted, it’s a great signing. We know he was the priority.
“Willock clearly loves playing up there and the fans are back so that will be a whole new experience for him.
“There is a certain amount of pressure, there will be people who expect him to carry on that goal scoring form.
“He’s a quality player and he will score goals but you can’t put too much pressure on him to repeat what he did last season.”
The Verdict: No-brainer
It was certainly a no-brainer to bring Willock back to the Magpies as he made such a big difference when he came into Steve Bruce's team. The prospect of a link-up between Willock, Allan Saint-Maximin and a now fully fit Callum Wilson is mouthwatering.
The Englishman scored no fewer than eight goals in 14 games in the top flight last campaign from midfield (Transfermarkt), helping them pull away from the relegation zone and finish comfortably in mid-table.
It will be hard to replicate that kind of form once more, but Willock will now feel that he has a point to prove and show the Toon Army just how good of a player he is.
In other news, find out who NUFC are now interested in signing here!