Three Newcastle players named in Garth Crooks' team of the week as BBC pundit praises Howe
Garth Crooks has named Newcastle United trio Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Joe Willock in his latest team of the week.
All three played key roles in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brentford; a result that not only extended our unbeaten run to seven games, but sent us up to 14th and four clear of the drop zone.
Writing for the BBC, Crooks praised Schar's classy assist for our crucial second goal - also revealing that he made more clearances (seven) than any other player on the pitch.
He then paid tribute to Joelinton for his incredible turnaround under Eddie Howe, believing Joe Willock is another player who looks back to his brilliant best after regaining his confidence under the new boss; who has added a 'calm and professional' look to the side, according to Crooks.
Here's what he's had to say about all three after they were named alongside the likes of Van Dijk, Foden and Kane in his latest TOTW:
Garth Crooks on Fabian Schar:
Another clean sheet for Newcastle and another excellent performance by the Magpies. It's been a long time since Fabian Schar has featured in my team of the week. However after his brilliant intervention to set up Joe Willock's superb finish against Brentford I was compelled to include the Newcastle central defender. Not only did Schar find himself on the halfway line in open play after defending a corner in his own penalty area, but fought off a challenge, looked up and played the most exquisite ball for Willock to score. What is Eddie Howe doing at Newcastle?
Along with an assist to his name, Schar also attempted more dribbles (three) than any other Newcastle player against Brentford. He also made more clearances (seven) than any other player.
Garth Crooks on Joelinton:
One player who seems to be thriving under the new regime is Joelinton. If you'd have said to me at the beginning of the season that Joelinton would be starring for Newcastle United on the left side of midfield I'd have thought you were in need of some sort of assistance. However Joelinton has been a revelation since the arrival of Howe and so have Newcastle.
Garth Crooks on Joe Willock:
Since this young man's arrival at St James' Park from Emirates Stadium he's found the going rather tough. Injuries and sickness have largely interrupted his ability to get into any consistent form at Newcastle. Nevertheless we've seen glimpses of what he can do, and he certainly has an eye for goal. Against Brentford he showed that he also has the eye for the spectacular. His finish was superb while his performances get better with each game. Howe said after his performance against West Ham when he scored the equaliser, that this was a player who with the right development could go a long way. I think he's right.
Since Willock made his league debut for Newcastle (6 February 2021) he has scored more Premier League goals for the club than any other player (10).
