Arsenal fans were all praise for Joe Willock after the midfielder put in an impressive display against the Rangers in the second pre-season game.
The Englishman had an outstanding season since moving to Newcastle United on loan. He became one of the most impressive players in the league during his spell there and helped the Magpies avoid relegation.
After missing out on the first match against Hibernian, Willock was included in the squad against the Gers. The 21-year-old came on as a substitute in the second half and managed to put together an impressive performance.
Though the Gunners could not get a win, they were able to salvage a draw. And a big reason for that was the partnership between Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Together, their energy proved to be a big problem for the hosts.
The youngster has been linked with a return to Tyneside but based on how well he played, the fans are not in favour of a move away. The supporters made their feelings known after the game as they praised Willock. Here are some of the best reactions:
https://twitter.com/BedKnowsBall/status/1416409331864641547
Joe Willock has everything you need from a midfielder, especially one you want to partner with Thomas partey
— Drick the Hutt🤺🤺 (@drick_freeman) July 17, 2021
AMN & Willock were pretty good in CM together, nice little cameo.
It'll be a shame if 3 or maybe even all 4 of Eddie, AMN, Willock & Nelson leave this summer, but they'll all get good PL moves for £15-20m – proof of the quality that the academy has been producing consistently.
— ML (@Mobealla) July 17, 2021
Unpopular opinion , I would build the team around Emile Smith Rowe and use Willock as his back up
— Will 🇧🇴 (@Willyyx10) July 17, 2021
I think willock and Niles did really well together. The movement and running they desire 🏃
— Darren Luke (@Dizzy_AFC) July 17, 2021
Really hope Arsenal keep hold of Willock, bags of talent! See why Newcaslte are trying to sign him!
— George Byrne (@GeorgeByrne) July 17, 2021
Willock looks very impressive with the ball, boy has improved
— Big Sam (@sammy_vibes) July 17, 2021
Arsenal Fever View
There are suggestions that the Englishman could be sent on another loan deal that would have an obligation to buy with a fee of £15 million. If this is the fee that the north Londoners have set, then it is some bad planning on their part.
A player of Willock’s quality and potential should be going for easily double that fee and if the Gunners fail to get such an amount, they have only themselves to blame. There is also a case to be made for keeping the youngster at the Emirates.
The 21-year-old can provide goals from midfield which is something that has been a weakness for Mikel Arteta’s men. Having a player who can perform this role can prove to be a boon for the team. On Saturday, Arsenal got another glimpse of the quality that Willock has and if they were to keep hold of him, their midfield would certainly improve. We will know more about his situation in the coming days.
Read More: Arsenal fans react as Reiss Nelson edges closer towards the exit door
