'A real threat': Alan Shearer praises Newcastle's unsung hero with two goal involvements in 80 minutes of football

There is one position that Newcastle United has absolutely nailed down provided all the top players can stay fit and that is of course, central midfield.

Newcastle have Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley to call upon to play across the centre of the park and each player brings something different to the table allowing Eddie Howe to switch things up to suit the opponent ... or to just pick Sean Longstaff and be done with it.

Last season the Magpies missed three of those players for very large portions of the season with Joelinton and Joe Willock plagued by injuries and Sandro Tonali serving a ban.

While they are all now back in action, Newcastle had a recent scare when Joe Willock pulled up with a knock just 15 minutes after scoring his first goal of the season against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

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Newcastle had a big injury scare with Joe Willock recently

It looked like it may be a lengthy absence again with everyone fearing a reoccurrence of the achilles problem that kept him out for much of the last campaign. Fortunately, it turned out to just be a knock on his thigh as the result of a heavy challenge and Willock returned to action for Newcastle from the bench at half time on Sunday at Molineux.

It was Willock's pass to Harvey Barnes that set the winger up for his stunning winner. It was Willock's second goal involvement in as many games and given that he's only played 80 minutes of football this season overall, that's very impressive.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, Alan Shearer has pointed out Joe Willock as a man who really makes a difference for Newcastle.

Alan Shearer hailed Joe Willock as someone who can make a difference

The £25 million signing from Arsenal has shown his quality time and time again, but what he's really missed is a good run in the side as Shearer notes, but also says that keeping him fit is the challenge.

"You've got Joe Willock who can play on that side as well. I mean, whether he plays in the front three, or as a midfielder left over three, then he's a real threat as well.

"I think he makes such a difference to Newcastle. If they can keep him fit, he would have a really good season.

"Willock is a huge part. He gives Newcastle something different with his energy and his ability to run beyond the opposition back four. So he [Eddie Howe] got some big decisions, you know."