Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock has looked impressive for the Gunners during friendlies ahead of the season’s resumption and it has triggered a debate over whether the 20-year-old merits a start against Manchester City next week.
Some supporters on Twitter think the midfielder does deserve to be given his chance by manager Mikel Arteta at the Etihad on Wednesday night, while others are not so sure:
He should start ahead of Ozil
— Dennis Ullungu (@denny_ketz) June 12, 2020
Bench him
— BBK? (@SadiqShehuG1) June 12, 2020
He's scored 2 pretty good goals and given an assist on the recent friendlies, why is people still giving him stick? I honestly don't get it.
— Dame mi pizza culero™️ (@LuisFaraudo) June 12, 2020
Imo his best position is Ramsey-esque CM and judging by what we've seen in training videos and highlights from our friendlies, he seemed to have improved and regained fitness so yeah I'll start him against City
— YELE (@AE_Gregory) June 12, 2020
RM. Yes, i would start him against City. He's super effective usually when we share possession against an opponent.
— Bino K Biji (@Binokbiji) June 13, 2020
Bench. Nothing more
— Rose Gold Seat (@LifeOf4000) June 12, 2020
best position is on the bench and hell no
— StanYe? (@6lackSkinHead) June 12, 2020
Number 8 and yeah I’ll start him
— Simba ?☄️?©️ (@Simbba17) June 12, 2020
He's been terrible all season….remember the brighton game ?♂️
— SunnyFI (@gunner_squared) June 12, 2020
Willock has been inconsistent at times this season, which has led to some criticism, but he is still only young. It’s unfair to put too much pressure on the player and there have certainly been signs of growing maturity from him.
Whether he’ll displace a more senior player in the starting line up in what remains of the domestic season, we shall have to wait and see, but there is no doubt that he has the potential if he is afforded some patience by the fans.
