Owen Hargreaves has urged one Arsenal star to consider his future at the club in search of game-time. The player in question is Joe Willock.
Joe Willock should consider leaving Arsenal either on loan or in a permanent deal in search of regular football. This is the opinion of Owen Hargreaves.
The 21-year-old put in an inspiring performance in his side’s 3-0 win over Dundalk on Thursday night. He grabbed the second goal of the day and was the creator for Nicolas Pepe, who rounded up the victory in the second half.
That fixture was the third start for Willock under Arteta this season. His only other starts have come in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool and Leicester City.
The 21-year-old is yet to feature in the Premier League this term. Owen Hargreaves says he has been left impressed by the youngster and believes he should be getting more game-time.
For that to happen, Willock should consider looking elsewhere to continue his football, says Hargreaves.
“I think he’s a really good player. I think he’s going to get a chance to play,” he said on BT Sport.
“He showed [on Thursday] if he gets a chance he can play, he’s a good player. He can do so much.”
“That’s what he gives you, he gets in the box at the right place at the right time.”
“I thought I saw a bit more of that athleticism, rather than just coasting in there. I think his overall game is very good.”
“He’s got great instincts. He has a good feel for the game. He’s very brave, he could be really good just depending on who is his partner – who is he with. I think there is a really good player in there. It is just about getting that right fit.”
“At his age, he needs to play games. I think right now, at Arsenal, he is not going to get a ton of games.”
In contradicting fashion, Willock mentioned after the game about his intention to continue fighting for a regular spot at Arsenal.