Full Name: Joseph George Willock
Date of Birth: 20 August 1999
Place of Birth: Waltham Forest, England
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.79 m)
Position(s): Midfielder
Current Team: Newcastle United
Jersey Number: 28
When discussing midfielders who do not shy away from the contest, praise and scrutiny thrown their way, there's no doubt Joe Willock stands out as a marshall in the forefront. Joseph George Willock, by full name, known for his abundance of talent and tenacity from his childhood days, has paved a way that is befitting of a top-tier footballer.
Unlike others who may falter in the face of challenges, Joe consistently rises to the occasion and is one to be reckoned with. Hence, we have delved into 8 interesting facts that shed light on him and his career.
Below Are Interesting Facts About Joe Willock From Childhood
1. He was Born in Walthamstow, located in Waltham Forest, Greater London
Joe Willock’s story begins in Walthamstow, a district nestled in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. This area of Greater London is renowned for its energetic community and deep-rooted football culture.
From a young age, Willock was surrounded by the vibrant local culture and the game that unites the neighbourhood. Walthamstow’s strong sense of community and its enthusiasm for football undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping Willock's early passion.
2. He Joined Arsenal at Age Four-and-a-half
Willock's football odyssey began at a very young age when he joined Arsenal at just four-and-a-half years old. This early start allowed him to develop skills within one of England's most prestigious football academies.
Being a part of Arsenal's youth system from such a tender age provided him with top-tier coaching, facilities, and a structured path to professional football, shaping his career from the ground up.
3. Football Runs in Joe Willock's Family
Football talent runs in the Willock family, with Joe's brothers, Chris and Matty, also pursuing professional careers in the sport. This shared passion for football created a unique dynamic in their household, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment.
The brothers often trained and played at Arsenal, pushing each other to improve and achieve their goals. Notably, all three brothers once shared the pitch during a reserve game between Manchester United and Arsenal in May 2017.
4. He is Set To Represent England Having Rising Youth Levels
Willock has been a standout performer at various youth levels for England, showcasing his potential on the international stage. He scored crucial goals for the England U16, U19, and U20 teams, contributing to their successes in different tournaments.
His impressive displays earned him a call-up to the England U21 squad, signalling his readiness to step up and potentially represent the senior national team in the future. His progression through the youth ranks reflects his consistent development and promise as an international player.
5. He is of Montserratian Descent
Joe Willock is of Montserratian descent, adding a layer of rich cultural heritage to his identity. This background connects him to the small Caribbean island of Montserrat, known for its vibrant culture and fortitude.
Willock's heritage is a source of pride and influences his perspective on and off the pitch. It also highlights the diverse backgrounds of many English footballers who bring varied experiences and cultures to the sport.
6. His Career Took a Significant Turn when He Joined Newcastle United
Joe Willock's career trajectory changed significantly when he joined Newcastle United initially on loan from Arsenal in January 2021 and later on a permanent basis. His impactful performances during the loan spell, including crucial goals and consistent displays, endeared him to the Newcastle fans and management.
This period proved to be a turning point, as it provided him with regular first-team football and a platform to showcase his abilities. The successful loan stint led to a permanent transfer from Arsenal where he had appeared in 40 league matches, scoring one goal and registering one assist. On 13 August 2021, he signed a six-year contract, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
7. He Matched Alan Shearer’s Record of Consecutive Games Scored in
Joe Willock made headlines during his loan spell at Newcastle United by matching a remarkable record held by Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
He scored in seven consecutive Premier League games, equalling Shearer's club record for Newcastle. This achievement underscored Willock's talent and knack for finding the back of the net, cementing his status as a key player for the Magpies and drawing widespread acclaim from fans and pundits alike.
8. He is the 2nd Youngest to Score in Six Consecutive PL Games
Joe Willock became the second youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games, a remarkable feat that highlights his precocious talent and goal-scoring prowess.
Achieving this milestone at the age of 21 years and 272 days placed him in elite company, only surpassed in December 2023 by Rasmus Højlund. This record-breaking run showcased his ability to perform consistently at the highest level and reinforced his potential to become one of the Premier League's standout players.
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