Yoane Wissa sent a social media message to William Osula after Newcastle United’s win over Fulham on Saturday.
Osula came off the bench to change the game for Newcastle United against Fulham, with his late effort leading to the late winner scored by Bruno Guimaraes.
The 22-year-old, along with Anthony Elanga, won the ball back from the Cottagers late on and duly sped forward. He cut inside and shot at goal and though it was saved by Bernd Leno, Guimaraes poked in the rebound.
Eddie Howe was impressed with Osula, who has performed well as Nick Woltemade’s understudy this season. In total, he’s scored three goals while registering one assist in 12 games thus far.
Indeed, Osula is taking the pressure off of Wissa ahead of his imminent return from injury.
Bruno Guimaraes celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Fulham.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
William Osula lifts pressure on Yoane Wissa ahead of Eddie Howe plan
Indeed, Howe has confirmed that Wissa will need around six weeks to get up to full fitness, although he is still likely to play during that timeframe.
With that in mind, the fact that Osula is proving at least in part that he can bridge the game between Woltemade and Wissa is a major boost.
There will obviously be an element of pressure on Wissa given the transfer saga that brought him to Newcastle. Still, with two centre-forward options currently performing for Howe, the need for him to hit the ground running straight away is perhaps not quite as pressing.
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The former Brentford star can focus on getting up to speed, safe in the knowledge that two of his teammates can share the burden.
Woltemade is the main point of focus in the Newcastle attack right now but has a capable understudy in Osula. When Wissa is fully firing, Howe could have the luxury of three compelling forwards in his squad.
After Saturday’s game, Wissa was clearly impressed when he commented: “OOOSSSUUULLLAAAAAA” on the forward’s Instagram post.
When will Yoane Wissa make his Newcastle United debut?
Wissa could make his Newcastle United debut against Brentford in November, which would be some return to action.
The 29-year-old broke scoring records with the Bees during his four-year stint with the West London club.
Still, he forced a move away from the club and attracted criticism for his conduct. In truth, it was a similar situation to the Alexander Isak fiasco that invoked the ire of Newcastle fans.
With that in mind, it could be a baptism of fire for Wissa in the famous black and white shirt.