Eddie Howe expresses confidence in William Osula, who scored and impressed during a recent match. The 22-year-old striker was preferred over £124m worth of forwards, showcasing his potential.
Key points
Eddie Howe trusts William Osula as a key player.
Osula scored and caused problems for the opposition.
Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa were benched despite their high value.
Mentioned in this story
Eddie HoweWilliam OsulaNick WoltemadeYoane Wissa
William Osula celebrates his goal
[Getty Images]
William Osula is a player Eddie Howe clearly trusts.
The manager's decision to keep faith with the Danish striker paid off again, after he left £124m-worth of forwards - Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa - on the bench.
Osula has plenty of rough edges but the 22-year-old opened the scoring, caused the visitors problems with his pace, and tellingly left the field to a warm ovation from supporters when he was substituted off after a 68-minute appearance.
"He is very hungry, motivated and believes in himself," said Howe post-match. "I think he has a really bright future."
Osula's options looked limited following the subsequent arrival of Woltemade and Wissa, and he came close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt on deadline day last summer.
However, he stayed and has since stepped up with some big goals in recent months.
Although Newcastle are likely to still be in the market for a striker this summer, Howe wants to hold on to a player with "really rich promise".
Speaking about Osula, who Newcastle recruited from Sheffield United in 2024, Howe added: "We signed him with the view of developing him and trying to build him to become a Premier League player, because that certainly wasn't the player we recruited.
"He has done really well to stay stable, commit to that development and see the longer-term plan.
"It is great to see that when he comes into the team and gets an opportunity, he grabs it."
What did Eddie Howe say about William Osula's performance?
Eddie Howe reaffirmed his belief in William Osula, highlighting his hunger and motivation after the striker scored and impressed during a recent match.
How much are the forwards that were benched for Osula worth?
The forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, who were left on the bench, are valued at a combined £124 million.
What impact did William Osula have in the match?
William Osula opened the scoring, troubled the opposition with his pace, and received a warm ovation from fans when substituted after 68 minutes.
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