Steve Bruce reveals why Newcastle decided to sign Jetro Willems | OneFootball

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has revealed that Jetro Willems was recommended to him by Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman.

Willems joined the Magpies on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer and has made a solid start to life in the Premier League, with the highlight being a stunning goal at Anfield back in September.

And Bruce says he signed the 25-year-old Dutch wing-back after receiving a glowing review from former Southampton and Everton boss Koeman.

“I remember ringing Ronald Koeman, the Dutch manager, and asking about Jetro,” Bruce told BBC Radio Newcastle.

“He said…’Steve, if you can get a hold of him you take him. He’s got a lovely left foot, he’s been playing in Germany and, from being a young one, it hasn’t quite happened the way we all wanted. But, there are no doubts about his ability’. And of course, week by week now, he’s getting better, physically.

“We can all see, technically, when he scores the goal at Liverpool with your wrong foot, you know technically, you’re a good player.

“He’s adapting, he found it difficult to start with and the intensity of it and the way it is.

“He’s enjoying it and I still think physically, there’s still more to come from him – and I challenge him on that every week.

“If he gets to the physical side, comfortably, then we’ve got a very, very good player on our hands.”

Newcastle will reportedly have the option to sign Willems on a permanent deal