Eddie Howe admits he’s noticed something of a change in William Osula’s approach behind the scenes at Newcastle United.
Osula has been in the headlines of late after playing a key role for Newcastle United in their win over Fulham on Saturday.
His boundless energy helped set up a late winner from Bruno Guimaraes, adding to a growing list of impressive moments this season.
The 22-year-old scored twice against Bradford in the Carabao Cup in September and also recorded an assist against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League in October.
With Yoane Wissa injured and Nick Woltemade potentially needing a rest, Osula could start for Newcastle United against Tottenham in their Carabao Cup game on Wednesday.
Howe admits he’s seen a change from Osula at the Newcastle United training ground. Wednesday night could be the biggest stress test of that yet.
William Osula celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Bradford in the Carabao Cup.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Eddie Howe says William Osula is becoming more serious
There was never any suggestion that Osula was taking things lightly, of course. Still, Howe admits that he’s noticed the striker is taking things more seriously this season compared to last.
That is only natural for a young player. Not every player progresses in the same way and getting used to life at an elite-level team must take some adapting to. Thankfully for Newcastle, that appears to be what is happening behind the scenes.
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Asked whether his impact against Fulham can be something of a “launch pad” for his Newcastle career, Howe said: “Yeah, I hope so. I think every time he’s come on the pitch this season, invariably he’s performed.
“I think that’s given him further belief for the next appearance. As I said, he’s nursing an ankle injury, I think he’s showing a real maturity.
“I don’t know if he could have necessarily done it in the way that he’s managed it this season [compared to] last year.”
When discussing what Osula is like behind the scenes, Howe added: “I think what’s changed probably more this year than last [year] is that he’s very serious about his work.
“When it’s work time, he puts on a different face and he’s very serious about his development and about his game, which I think has been a positive slight change.
“I think he was serious last year, but I think we’ve seen a more mature Will this year with his work.”
Why William Osula needs to shine for Newcastle United vs Tottenham
If Osula shakes off a slight ankle knock and starts ahead of Woltemade for Newcastle on Wednesday, he’s got a big job on his hands.
In that event, Spurs would be the best team the forward has ever started a game against since he joined the Magpies in 2024. His previous starts have come against Leeds, Bradford, Bromley, Birmingham and Wimbledon.
It would be quite the step up for a player who hasn’t been given much of a chance to compete at elite level.
Newcastle United statistics William Osula
Games 31
Starts 5
Minutes played 693
Goals 5
Assists 3
Newcastle’s wide options have tended to struggle when there is not an orthodox centre-forward in the team. They created chances against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Barcelona this season but could not apply the finishing touch.
If called upon, Osula needs to provide a platform upon which the wingers can build. It’s a big job for him but he deserves the chance to prove his worth.
The Carabao Cup is hugely important to Newcastle. While expecting them to win it again might be a touch ambitious, failing to progress into the quarter-finals after a home game would be a huge disappointment.
Without a convincing striker, the omens would suggest they’re up against it. If Osula impresses here, it could help Newcastle continue their journey in this competition.