William Osula struggled for Newcastle United against Leeds on Saturday, but Eddie Howe spoke of his commitment to the cause.
It’s not really Osula’s fault he is in this position. The 22-year-old had never before started a Premier League game but was called upon to lead the Newcastle United frontline away at Leeds for a number of reasons.
Indeed, Alexander Isak still doesn’t want to play for the club as he looks to try and force a move to Liverpool. Stand-in centre-forward Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, is suspended.
Newcastle broke their transfer record to sign Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart but the towering German forward was not registered in time to feature.
As such, Osula had to step in and the Danish U21 international was looking to build on his goal against Liverpool on Monday.
He struggled to do so, although he wasn’t the only Newcastle player to underwhelm in their 0-0 draw at Elland Road.
Speaking after the game, Howe issued his verdict.
William Osula is tackled during a Premier League match between Leeds and Newcastle United.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Eddie Howe reacts to William Osula performance
Osula never really got going for Newcastle. He did have a fairly good opening in the first half when Jacob Ramsey cut the ball back, but he saw his shot blocked after he got the ball out of his feet.
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Talking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Howe said: “I thought he worked really hard, I thought he was very good in different phases. Received a lot of balls to feet, linked play pretty well, held it up for us.
“I thought he had one big chance, – if that was him towards half time, I could be wrong – where he’s had a shot blocked in and around the six-yard box.
“I think that was probably his best moment to score. He’s given his all for the team and that’s all you can ask.”
William Osula could leave Newcastle United on loan
It’s hard to be too harsh on the former Sheffield United youngster. In a perfect world, he’d never even be in the position to be Newcastle’s only senior striker willing or able to play for the club.
Still, the experiment has not worked thus far. That’s not to say it cannot going forward but, right now, Newcastle need something different.
Interestingly, The Daily Mail suggest Osula could still leave Newcastle on loan during what remains of the summer transfer window.
Previously, Bayer Leverkusen have been linked with a move for Osula.