Eddie Howe has already explained why Will Osula is not playing much for Newcastle United
James Rutherford
5 – 6 minutes
Will Osula failed to make just his third appearance for Newcastle United on Saturday night, despite the Magpies’ attacking woes away to Everton.
Newcastle drew 0-0 with Everton at Goodison Park, as a Toon side without Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson failed to find the net. It was the first time this season that Newcastle United have failed to score.
Anthony Gordon played up front instead, and was unable to score the goal that alluded the Magpies on Merseyside.
A limp Newcastle attack failed to score against Everton, while Will Osula remained on the bench.
Will Osula ignored as Newcastle United struggle to score
The £10million striker has only made one Premier League appearance for Newcastle this season. That came off the bench during the 3-1 defeat to Fulham when the Magpies were searching for an equaliser.
On Saturday night, Eddie Howe opted against bringing the 21-year-old on, which resulted in Newcastle fans questioning why Osula was brought to the club.
He was not trusted to come on off the bench, despite Newcastle clearly needing a proper striker. The forward was not even trusted to play five minutes, as Howe stuck by his more senior players.
It sums up what has been a frustrating start to Osula’s Newcastle United career. Fans are eager for him to play, especially with Isak and Wilson out injured. With both of them absent, it is baffling that Osula still cannot get a game.
Will Osula of Newcastle United (18) arrives for the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United FC at Goodison Park on October 05,…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
What Eddie Howe said about Lewis Hall last season
However, Newcastle fans do not need to look much further than Lewis Hall to understand why Osula is not featuring.
Hall is now a regular for Newcastle, but it was a different story this time last year. After arriving on loan from Chelsea, he was struggling for minutes in a black and white shirt. It was only in the final few weeks of the season that the left-back earned Howe’s trust, with the Newcastle United manager insisting that patience was required.
During an interview with the Athletic in March 2024, Howe commented on Hall not getting many minutes, and it should paint a clearer picture as to why Osula is not featuring.
“Sometimes, and I know it’s a rare commodity these days, we just need some patience,” he said.
“We just need to wait to develop players. There’s no magic wand, but time and good work on the training pitch. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.
“When you look at someone of that age moving away from home, regardless of the fact they’re a footballer, you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with that. He’s handled himself really well and it’s been a season of growth for him although the external view would not necessarily have seen that.
“We have seen that internally so it’s been a really powerful, positive year for him. A lot of work has been put into him and I do believe in him long-term.”
Osula was average against Wimbledon on first Newcastle start
Howe said that patience was required with Hall, and that patience is now paying off. He has enjoyed a strong start to the season, with Hall playing very well in the recent 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Last season, Howe did not just play Hall for the sake of it. He bided his time, and waited until he fully trusted the young defender. It frustrated fans, but it has to be seen as the right decision in hindsight.
And that will also be the case with Osula. Patience is required. Yes, we would love to see more of him, but Howe obviously does not fully trust him.
The former Sheffield United striker got the full 90 minutes against Wimbledon last week, and hardly set the world alight against the League Two side. In that respect, it is understandable that Howe is reluctant to put him on in a Premier League fixture.
Patience is required with Newcastle’s third choice striker
Some fans will argue that signing Osula was pointless if he is not going to play. But he is a project player – someone who was brought in with an eye towards the future.
The goal is for him to develop at St James’ Park and become a better player. He was signed for his potential, not his current ability.
The Osula signing only looks questionable right now because of the situation involving Isak and Wilson. To be without both strikers is a massive blow, with some people asking why the club did not sign a more experienced third choice striker.
But that is easier said than done. It is hard to convince someone to join the club to be third choice behind great goalscorers like Isak and Wilson. When you look through the entire Premier League, most teams that only play one up front do not have three high quality strikers.
That is why Newcastle brought in someone like Osula. Right now he is just a body in the squad, but in time he will be trusted to play. Sadly, it will take exactly that – time.
Howe has high hopes for Osula, but that does not mean he will play the striker for the sake of it. It is frustrating, but Howe is not going to change his methods anytime soon.
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