Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has lashed praise upon one of his current players for being the ‘complete package’ ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham – but his words will equally worry another star.
Newcastle head into their game against Tottenham with a huge point to prove, aiming to retain the Carabao Cup title after ending their 70-year drought with a win over Liverpool in March.
Playing Spurs won’t be easy, especially given that the north London club haven’t lost on away turf in all competitions this season.
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And Eddie Howe’s comments before the game have suggested that William Osula may get a run-out, after calling him the ‘complete package’ after a failed summer move.
William Osula during Arsenal vs Newcastle in Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images
Eddie Howe waxes lyrical over Newcastle youngster William Osula
William Osula signed for Newcastle from Sheffield United for £10m last summer, though he failed to start a single Premier League game for the Magpies.
His game time was overshadowed by Alexander Isak, who fired Newcastle into Champions League qualification. Callum Wilson’s departure on a free, however, gave the young Dane a chance to impress in pre-season, especially with Isak constantly being touted for a move to Liverpool.
When Nick Woltemade was signed as Isak’s replacement, and it looked as though Yoane Wissa was going to sign for the Magpies, it would have relegated Osula to third-choice. A late move to Eintracht Frankfurt was touted, with Osula being the subject of a £28million bid from Frankfurt.
Player Games, 2024-25 Goals, 2024-25
Alexander Isak 42 27
William Osula 19 2
Callum Wilson 22 1
Aston Villa also agreed a deal to sign Osula, but UEFA’s spending rules complicated a deal.
And Eddie Howe will now be breathing a sigh of relief after he called Osula ‘the complete package’. Speaking before the game, Howe said: “The next step was for Will to try and play regularly, so that was the aim [with the Frankfurt move], especially with us bringing two strikers in.
“Obviously, it didn’t happen – and much to our relief it didn’t because Yoane picked up an injury and Will is vitally important.
“We believe in his talents. He’s got speed. You could see that when he came on the pitch the other day.
“He’s quick, athletic but, through his continued attitude to training, he’s got a better know-how and nous in terms of how to manage game situations.
“He’s benefited from that and coming on the pitch looking like the complete package.”
Instead of leaving, Osula now has three goals and an assist in just 280 minutes of football, and that will be worrying news for Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle United Unveil New Signing Yoane Wissa
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Yoane Wissa joined Newcastle from Brentford on transfer deadline day, but injury means that he’s yet to play football for the Magpies.
The further fact that he will likely be called up for the Africa Cup of Nations means that Wissa may not fully feature for Newcastle until January.
If Osula can continue garnering positive comments from Howe, and furthering his development alongside Nick Woltemade, it could mean Wissa is made redundant over game time.
And that could then push the Congo international to third-choice, a position he never thought he would be in after his transfer.