Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has hailed Will Osula’s recent displays and revealed that he is glad the forward stayed with the club over the summer.
The young forward was subject of intense transfer speculation in the summer transfer window, with German club Eintracht Frankfurt interested in signing him as a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool.
However, the move did not materialize as the Magpies were only willing to accept a permanent transfer.
An injury to summer arrival Yoane Wissa meant more playing time for Osula, who has featured in all of their nine league games this season.
“We wanted Will to play, we wanted him to continue his development, which he did brilliantly last year because he committed to a path of limited game time, but big training time, a lot of work with [first-team coach] Graeme Jones, a lot of reviewing his performances, then a lot of putting work into action”, Eddie Howe said.
“We believe in his talent. He has got speed — I think you could see that when he came on the pitch the other day – he’s quick, he’s athletic.
“But also I think what he’s added just through the continued attitude to his training, a lot better know-how, nous in terms of how to manage game situations.
“He’s benefited from that and he’s coming on the pitch looking like the complete package”, the Newcastle manager boss continued.
Eddie Howe’s men have won three of their nine league games this season and have found themselves in the 12th position.
They host Tottenham Hotspur later on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup fourth round, as they continue the defense of the title they won in the previous campaign.
“He’s got all the physical attributes to do it and he’s an incredible athlete.
“Obviously he’s doing cameos at the moment, we’d love him to be able to sustain that for longer, which is very difficult, but he’s got the physical capabilities of delivering that, I think”, Howe concluded.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
