"Intensity is our identity". These were the words of Eddie Howe during the 2022/2023 season which saw Newcastle finish in the top 4 and reach a domestic cup final for the first time in over 20 years.
If intensity was the slogan for 22/23, then injuries became a taboo phrase, the elephant in the room during a long, arduous 2023/2024 campaign.
Injuries and suspensions would seep into the cracks and perform the kiss of death on a team already playing to its very limit, performing miracles under a manager who extracts every ounce of talent available from the players at his disposal. It was a tightrope with limited longevity, and it snapped.
Joe Willock, a key player under Howe for much of his tenure, missed 37 games in 2023/2024 with a recurring Achilles issue, in addition to a hamstring injury sustained at the end of the previous season. In contrast, the 24-year-old made 43 appearances in the 22/23 season.
With 15 goals and six assists in a Newcastle shirt, including a run of seven goals in seven games under Steve Bruce during a loan spell which led to Willock becoming the only permanent signing at the club in the summer of 2021, many feel he has the skill set to become a more potent force in front of goal if he can overcome the injury issues.
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Reasons for optimism
On April 23, 2023, in a 6-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur which saw Newcastle take a 5-0 lead inside 20 minutes, Alexander Isak scored a goal which fits comfortably within a category of assists that were so good nobody remembers who scored.
Controlling the ball in his own half, Willock sent an outrageous pass beyond the backline of Spurs which put Isak through on goal to slot beyond Hugo Lloris. The assist drew comparisons to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, leading to the nickname 'Willockinho' from fans and teammates, and was hailed as the pass of the season by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.
In a 3-0 dismantling of Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup last season, Willock once again picked up the ball in space, cleared two defenders and unleashed an inch-perfect strike from outside the box which nestled in the bottom corner.
Dribbling is a key aspect of the former Arsenal man's game, and when fully fit his ability to use speed and power to manoeuvre through opposition players is a huge asset to the counter-attacking style with which Newcastle are systematically synonymous under Howe.
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Patience required in the short term
Given his long absence from the team, Willock will benefit from a pre-season in which he can be eased back into the squad. Newcastle have a dearth of options in midfield, and in complete contrast to last season, the head coach is under no pressure to field players at less than full fitness.
For context, Sandro Tonali (suspended since October) played more minutes (489) than Willock (480) across the campaign. This is a stark reminder that he will need to ease back into the fold and allowing him the time to do so could enable him to reach new levels in the upcoming season.
Tonali returning, Joelinton recovering from his own injury issues, and the emergence of Lewis Miley means competition for places is far greater than it was last season, or the season prior.
Willock has a point to prove and a unique skillset ideal for Newcastle's style of play, but if injuries reoccur, or if his level dips, then questions may be asked externally about his long-term future at the club.
His partnership with Newcastle's Brazilian midfielder Joelinton in 22/23 was frightening, the pair dovetailing between central midfield and left wing to contribute over 20 goals and assists between them.
Joelinton harbours injury concerns of his own however, and it remains to be seen if the pair can remain fit over the course of the campaign.
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Fans and club to reap the benefits of unwavering support
Alongside the stats and his on-field partnerships, another cause for optimism is Willock's all-round game.
While fans may not have been treated to a repeat of his goalscoring exploits in the second half of 2021, he is a far more rounded footballer under the tutelage of Howe. As such, Gareth Southgate was tracking him for a potential England call-up in 2023.
A blossoming bromance with top scorer Alexander Isak has attracted attention from fans, the pair is regularly spotted together in team photos, and on social media.
While connections off the field can only strengthen partnerships on it, a popular character such as Willock will benefit from huge support and patience, not just from his teammates, but also with fans, as he regains full fitness.
The appointment of James Bunce as performance director will no doubt ease the pressure on the medical team at St. James' Park.
Upon his appointment, Bunce was quoted as saying: "My role will be to ensure that we push in every area of performance and medicine to optimise the health, fitness and wellbeing of players, ultimately ensuring they are available to perform at the highest level, week in week out."
The quotes align with his reputation in the game following hugely successful spells at Southampton and Monaco.
Should he celebrate similar success at Newcastle United, his appointment alongside the fact that pre-May 2023 Willock had only missed five games in his career through injury, there is no doubt the former Arsenal man will replicate or even surpass his top form.
2024/2025 is a huge season for Newcastle's number 28. The Geordies have taken him into their hearts and will sing proudly about their midfield maestro from the terraces, exhibiting the love he craved when he left Arsenal, his boyhood club, at 21.
Providing he can stay fit, he remains a huge asset to the Maggies, and in a summer of upheaval perhaps it is the return of a familiar face which will ignite Newcastle's return to the Champions League once again.
