Arsenal’s final match of their United States pre-season tour had it all – goals, red cards, penalties. Amongst all of the mayhem, one of our shining young stars continued to impress as Joe Willock drew high praise from The Gunners support.
Willock has been a revelation in midfield this summer, dazzling at every single opportunity given to him. Arsenal went into half-time 2-0 up with Willock on the pitch but after the break the young 19-year-old was substituted for Nacho Monreal and everything went out the window. Unai Emery’s side let Real Madrid back into the game and just before the hour mark it was all tied up. The game went to penalties and despite Gareth Bale missing his, Zinedine Zidane’s La Liga giants were victorious on the night.
Following the overnight game, fans went to Twitter to share their thoughts on the youngster’s performance with one fan claiming he was one of the best players on the pitch whilst others simply called him a baller. One supporter even suggested that had the 19-year-old not come off, they would have won that game – also throwing in criticism at Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Others are hopeful that Willock gets his chance this coming season which was emphasised by another stating the midfielder had really made a claim for a starting spot. One supporter said the player had a lot of potential but begged fans not to slaughter him if he gets off to a bad start when the games really begin to count.
You can read the best of the reaction following Willock’s performance below:
Said it last night, during & before HT. now it’s coming to fruition thanks to Zidane post match. Willock was CLASS last night. Easily one of the best players on the pitch, and neither side was “weak”.. looked like a very sure confident player. Futures bright. #AFC #Arsenal
— Twelly (@iAmTwelly) July 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/H2TheRooAFC/status/1154006543035183118
Willock is a baller #AFC
— Paul Flannery (@Flangepdb8) July 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/SamAFC9/status/1153981952288075776?s=20
If Willock doesn’t come off, we don’t draw / lose that game last night
That’s the level of praise I have for Joe Willock
Mkhitaryan needs to take a big look at himself, I don’t want him blocking our youth if he’s gonna prance around providing nothing for us #arsenal #afc
— Arsenal Therapy (@TherapyArsenal) July 24, 2019
Willock has looked so impressive so far in preseason, hopefully he’ll be given more chances this season #afc
— Pierce Hughes (@PierceHughes18) July 24, 2019
Joe Willock balling vs Modric and Kroos and carrying our midfield. The 19-year old has really made a claim for a starting spot with four impressive performances so far this pre-season. Torreira-Willock pivot needed with Ozil in front vs Newcastle. #AFC
— Fanzine Football (@Fanzine_com) July 24, 2019
He was good last season, he will be better this season. Joe Willock masterclass 19/20 pic.twitter.com/OObFP6Rth8
— Met. (@AFCMet) July 24, 2019
Think at this rate #Willock will get a lot of minutes. Looking a cut above. #AFC
— #ParteyTime (@sokratweets) July 24, 2019