Mehrdad Ghodoussi predicts big Newcastle United player news with six-word message

Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi believes there’s much more to come from Joe Willock, despite last season’s success.

The midfielder initially joined the Magpies on loan from Arsenal in January 2021 and equalled Alan Shearer’s club record of scoring in seven consecutive games before completing a £25million switch the following summer.

However, during his first full season on Tyneside, Willock, by his own admission, was homesick. He’d gone from living in London close to his family to living on his own in Northumberland’s countryside.

The Magpies, as a whole, were also undergoing a major transition. Mike Ashley finally sold the club to the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia-led consortium and the manager who signed Willock, Steve Bruce, was sacked and replaced by Eddie Howe.

Willock started 17 of Howe’s 27 league matches during the 2021-22 campaign as United surged away from the relegation places. But with a return of just two goals and zero assists, there was major room for improvement.

After working closely with Howe in pre-season, the former Gunner scored a brace at Fulham and netted in wins against Chelsea and Southampton before the World Cup break. His best form, however, was saved for the restart.

Although Willock scored just once - a 2-0 win over Manchester United - the player had noticeably become a lot more involved in games by claiming four assists, including an assist-of-the-season contender in April’s 5-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Furthermore, Willock had the highest average ball carry distance per game (12.96) than any other midfielder in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Given his young age, Newcastle fans are excited about Willock’s potential, and Ghodoussi is among those tipping him to fulfil it.

Posting a video of his season best bits, Ghodoussi replied “the best is yet to come”. Two of United teammates also commented. Allan Saint-Maximin said “what a player”, while Sven Botman said “serious baller”.

The next step? Well, Willock has been pushing for a senior England call up having already represented his country from under-16s to under-21s level.

“I definitely think that should be an aim of his,” said Howe, speaking in March. “I think he has the potential to do it.”

“I’d say for Joe, he has areas to improve - as all the players do within the squad - but it’s there for him. He’s young enough, I think he’s got potential to grow. I think again, since my time here he’s been excellent.

“I do think his game’s improved. I think he’s got more to go, I think he can score more goals, he can assist more - especially the position he’s playing in, he’s had those moments and chances.

“He can get around the pitch brilliantly. He’s dovetailed into a wide area as well at times for us - he’s had that natural rotation into those areas and he’s done really well. There’s that versatility to his game, he’s not a one-dimensional player and I really like that about him.”

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.