Five takeaways from Newcastle 4-1 Urawa Red Diamonds

Newcastle United kicked off their pre-season tour of Japan with a convincing 4-1 win over J.League outfit, Urawa Red Diamonds today.

It was an ideal test in tough conditions as we prepare for the new Premier League season, which kicks off with a home clash against Southampton on August 17th. Here are five key takeaways from the game:

1. Willock is back and firing

Joe Willock made his much anticipated return to action today, making his first appearance in black and white since April after a grueling previous campaign hugely hampered by a niggling  Achilles injury.

However, to the joy of fans and coaches he looked fit, sharp and made a real impact in the final third. Two brilliant assists gave us the lead at half time before he was taken off at the break in a pre-planned change to manage his fitness levels. The first of the two came via a perfectly executed ball through to the lethal Alexander Isak who finished with aplomb, but it was the second that really deserves heaps of praise. He marauded through the midfield after robbing Urawa of possession and beat two men before laying off Jacob Murphy to put us 2-1 ahead.

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It was a Willock performance that we love to see; intense, energetic, dynamic and adding a different threat to a left-hand side already featuring the dangerous Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes. He displayed his flair and ability too with several smart turns and touches, proving he still has a huge part to play in the team providing he can stay injury free.

2. Murphy and Isak continue to perform

For a third consecutive pre-season fixture, both Isak and Murphy managed to get themselves on the scoresheet. Two cleverly enacted goals which gave us a deserved lead after 45 minutes, undoubtedly filling both with confidence as we near the start of the new campaign.

Murphy grabbed a lovely second goal of the game, receiving from Jamie Miley in a wide position before cutting on to his unfavoured left and dispatching expertly low into the far corner. This means four goals in three friendlies so far, seeing him become the unexpected star of pre-season as he continues to make a strong claim for the starting right wing spot for our opening day fixture against Southampton. With no right winger signed yet and Miguel Almiron only just returning from an extended break, it's his place to lose for now.

As for Isak, it's what we've become used to. Clinical, calm and composed in front of goal. Although he looked almost sure to have lost possession in the build up to his goal, he found a way to impressively strike the ball into the bottom left hand corner just two minutes in. We can hope to see yet another huge season from Isak, who immediately looks up to speed based on what we've seen this summer.

3. A great test in uncomfortable conditions

As we all know, pre-season is all about getting minutes into the legs, getting back up to the fitness levels required whilst also re-finding the connection with teammates from a technical perspective. This was all achieved in the game today.

Conditions were warm and wet in Saitama making for a tough physical test; brilliant for Premier League preparation as the body is pushed to its limits trying to maintain energy levels and full focus. The opposition, whilst admittedly much inferior to our standards, are also in the midst of their own J.League campaign, meaning their physical levels were arguably at their peak, making for a somewhat competitive game at a decent tempo.

It's important to note that in pre-season results are far from the priority as building fitness takes precedence, but a win as convincing as this one is never going to hurt. Some excellent goals also instill confidence into the players will only improve the mindset and attitude ahead of a huge campaign.

4. Lewis Hall shines again

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It was yet another exciting performance for Lewis Hall, who is only seeming to get better following his strong end to last season, £28m move and impressive display at Hull last weekend. Starting at left-back, he looked to invert into a midfield role at times, especially in the first half as Willock pushed on to support Barnes and Isak, which worked well. It meant he was always an option across the pitch and was able to demonstrate his fantastic ability on the ball, picking out a few exceptional passes into Isak in particular.

Our left hand side had great chemistry too as any small turn or touch was read and anticipated, showing his intelligence and ability to contribute towards fast flowing attacks. Hall's display is more proof that he's coming on leaps and bounds in terms of his tactical awareness to the system, as well as his own ability on and off the ball.

He also managed to get on the scoresheet with a long range effort from 25 yards out. It took a deflection, but it's another boost for the teenager and, much like his strike at Old Trafford in the 3-2 loss last season, shows he's not scared to have a crack. Another highlight came when he expertly turned his way out of a difficult situation, back heeling the ball through the opposition player's legs and driving the ball up the pitch. A moment of class and vintage Hall at his best.

5. Minutes for youngsters

One of many beauties of pre-season is the ability and flexibility allowed to integrate academy prospects into first team fixtures, giving them much needed experience and game time to contribute towards their development and personal fitness ahead of their fixtures.

This was done to a great level here as Eddie Howe handed minutes to Trevan Sanusi, Jay Turner-Cooke, Alfie Harrison, Ben Parkinson, Jamie Miley and Cathal Heffernan. They seemed confident and eager to show their talents, looking to impress Howe in search of potential future first team competitive action.

Trevan Sanusi and Jamie Miley both impressed, with the latter picking up and assist as previously referred to as he aims to replicate the stunning success of his younger brother, Lewis Miley. He possesses a similar understanding of the game as his brother does, taking clever touches, always knowing where his next pass was going even before receiving the ball himself.

In terms of Sanusi, it's clear he's a real talent. His key attributes being his pace and ability to drive at defenders, always providing an option in build up and in the final third. This was shown through several dangerous drives and runs in behind. Understandably so he is still very much a raw talent with a lot of game experience to learn from and work to do on his final ball, which will come in time as we hope to see him fulfil his undoubted potential.

Let's hope we can continue our so far successful pre-season on Saturday when we face Yokohama F.Marinos before the Sela Weekender and start to the 24/25 Premier League campaign in just over two weeks time.