Many Newcastle United fans have been lauding Jetro Willems on social media for his performance against Sheffield United on Thursday night, as the Toon won 2-0 at Bramall Lane.
Head coach Steve Bruce fielded Willems on the left-hand side of a five-man backline against the Blades, for what was the Dutchman’s 12th Premier League appearance for the club and 11th start.
Willems moved to St. James’ Park in the summer from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt by signing a one-season loan deal, and has since scored and assisted twice in the top-flight.
The 25-year-old did not add to either account on Thursday as we beat Sheffield United, with goals from £20million summer arrival Allan Saint-Maximin and ex-England international Jonjo Shelvey.
He did not register a shot or key pass at Bramall Lane, either, but left a positive impression on many supporters for his “impressive” display that made him a Man of the Match contender for some.
Willems offered a powerful attacking presence on the left-channel against the Blades, but was arguably not given enough of the ball to make a vital contribution.
His 38 touches was the sixth-most of all United players that started the mid-week contest, per WhoScored data, and were only turned into 13 accurate passes, one dribble attempted – and completed – and made just two crosses into the box.
Should we trigger Willems' £10m option-to-buy?
Yes, absolutely
No, he isn't good enough
A few fans were impressed enough by Willems’ efforts that they have called for the club to turn his loan into a permanent arrangement, with Toon chiefs able to trigger a £10million clause agreed upon last summer.
Here are some of the messages shared…
Hope we make the Willems deal permanent. Been really impressive since he got the LB spot #SHUNEW #NUFC
— Ben Carter (@benc777) December 5, 2019
Can we not just pay the Willems fee now? Blokes been class and arguably player of the season thus far. #NUFC
— Joe Preston (@JoePrestonMT) December 6, 2019
I can’t remember the last time we had a lb/lwb as skilful as Willems! Sign him up @NUFC
— carl richardson (@Carl_TftG) December 5, 2019
We have to sign #Willems and he looks the best #leftback since @Jesanchez3 #joseenrique #nufc #nufc
— BradleyIainHall (@BradleyIainHal1) December 5, 2019
Willems or Dubravka for man of the match but every toon player has ran themselves into the ground tonight, shoutout to Shelvey for playing to the whistle #SHUNEW #NUFC #AmazonPrimeVideo
— Beno (@Ben_Dixon89) December 5, 2019
Willems is actually one of our best players by far #nufc
— Callum Tunsley (@djnumber29) December 5, 2019
Excellent result and defensive performance from nufc. Well done Steve Bruce. Willems impressive. Manquillo had a great game. I love VAR me! #NUFC #SHUNEW
— Paul T (@PTNUFC) December 5, 2019
In other Newcastle United news, the club are reportedly moving to sign a record-breaking wonderkid appearing on a dominant European giants’ radar.