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7 hours ago
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has praised the transformative development of striker William Osula, crediting the "tireless" individual work the youngster has done behind the scenes with first-team coach Graeme Jones.
This intensive, personalised training regime has paid dividends, with Osula now proving a "vitally important" player who provides genuine attacking impact from the bench.
Howe’s comments come with the context that Osula was close to leaving on loan for regular football, but an injury elsewhere ensured the Danish Under-21 international remained on Tyneside, a scenario Howe now admits was a major "relief."
The intensive 'training time' payoff
Eddie Howe revealed that William Osula’s recent growth stemmed from a commitment to a specific path last year:
- Big training time: He spent significant time working individually with Graeme Jones.
Performance review: This included constant reviewing his performances and mistakes.
- Putting work into action: The ultimate goal was translating the learned "know-how" into effective match play.
Howe stated that this process has turned the raw, pacy striker into a more complete player: “He’s worked tirelessly with Graeme Jones, who’s done a lot of individual work with him..."
"He’s added just through the continued attitude to his training, a lot better know-how, nous in terms of how to manage game situations.”
Will Osula goes from a close exit to a vital contributor
The investment in Osula recently provided immediate dividends when he came off the bench against Fulham, with his powerful run and shot leading directly to Bruno Guimarães’ late match-winning goal.
Howe now views the striker as irreplaceable depth, particularly as Yoane Wissa remains sidelined.
“We wanted Will to play, that was the aim... Obviously, it didn’t happen and much to our relief it didn’t happen because Yoane picked up an injury, and Will is vitally important,” Howe admitted.
The manager added that Osula now looks like “the complete package” when introduced to the game, demonstrating great pace, athleticism, and, crucially, improved tactical intelligence.
The development story of the young striker working diligently with coach Jones is now being held up as a major success for the club’s long-term strategy of improving young talent internally.
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