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Official Premier League site explains why Newcastle United star is ‘One to watch’

4 years ago
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Newcastle United wing-back Jetro Willems has been picked out as ‘one to watch’ in a report on the official Premier League website.

The Scout is tipping five PL players ahead of this weekend for the purposes of their Fantasy Premier League but the stats used to explain the choices, are equally valid when generally debating player form.

In seven starts and one sub appearance, Jetro Willems has scored one PL goal and got two assists, the latest involvement being on Saturday with an assists for Newcastle’s second (Fernandez) goal.

The Premier League site report that his underlying statistics actually show even better form, with eight chances created in the last four gameweeks, only two other PL defenders having created more.

At the moment, Jetro Willems has little competition but once Matt Ritchie is fully fit, it will be an interesting choice for Steve Bruce.

Last season Ritchie scored only two PL goals but got eight assists, though he didn’t spend all season as a wing-back. The season before it was was three goals and five PL assists for Ritchie.

On what we have seen so far, you would probably say that playing at wing-back, Jetro Willems is better going forward, whilst Matt Ritchie is better when defending.

Steve Bruce could of course accommodate both players, although it would be interesting if he did that, to see what kind of formation/positions they could/would play in.

Interesting to see as well that nobody has scored less goals (three) than Newcastle at home and nobody has conceded less (three).

Indeed, no surprise to see that St James Park has seen the least goals (six) of any PL stadium so far, the next lowest is Palace’s Selhurst Park (seven).

As for the most it is Man City’s The Etihad with 24 goals scored by both Man City and opposing teams, just ahead of Southampton’s  St Mary’s with 23.

Official Premier League site:

Ones to watch: Jetro Willems

The wing-back has been a big influence at both ends of the pitch for Newcastle United this season.

Willems has contributed a goal and two assists while also playing a part in two clean sheets over his eight Gameweek appearances.

Indeed, his average of 5.0 points per match has been bettered by only four other defenders in 2019/20 FPL.

The underlying statistics highlight Willems’ attacking potential.

His eight chances created rank third among defenders in the last four Gameweeks.

That is a team-leading total for Newcastle, while his tally of three shots inside the box is the second-highest for Steve Bruce’s side.

The Magpies have been particularly resilient at St James’ Park this season.

They have conceded only three home goals, the joint-best record along with Leicester City.

AFC Bournemouth, meanwhile, have struggled for a cutting edge in recent matches.

They will travel to Tyneside having scored only a single goal in the last four Gameweeks.

Combined with his attacking potential, Willems looks set to enjoy another successful Gameweek on Saturday afternoon.

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