LONDON: Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on Tuesday backed William Osula to become “the complete package,” expressing his relief the striker did not leave the club on deadline day.
Eintracht Frankfurt were reportedly poised to complete a move for the 22-year-old in the transfer window, but Newcastle called off talks.
Osula has enjoyed more game time than expected this season, albeit it largely as a substitute, after big-money signing Yoane Wissa suffered a knee injury on international duty.
“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 said when asked how close Osula came to leaving St. James’ Park.
“We believe in his talent. He’s got speed — I think you could see that when he came on the pitch the other day — he’s quick, he’s athletic.
“But also I think what 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.
“He’s benefited from that and he’s coming on the pitch looking like the complete package.”
Newcastle host Tottenham in the League Cup last 16 on Wednesday, with Osula in line for a rare start after scoring twice in the previous round against Bradford City.
The Dane has only started once in the Premier League this season, making the majority of his appearances as a substitute for Nick Woltemade.
“He’s an incredible athlete,” added Howe.
“Obviously he’s doing cameos at the moment, we’d love him to be able to sustain that for longer, which is very difficult, but he’s got the physical capabilities of delivering that, I think.”
Howe glad Newcastle kept hold of ‘complete package’ Osula
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Howe glad Newcastle kept hold of ‘complete package’ Osula
- Osula has enjoyed more game time than expected this season, albeit it largely as a substitute
- “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 said
Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16
- The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham
NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom: Newcastle United completed their stroll into the Champions League last 16 with a 3-2 win over Qarabag on Tuesday to progress 9-3 on aggregate over the Azeri champions.
The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
A tie that involved an over 5,000-mile (8,000 kilometer) round trip for both sides was killed off inside 45 minutes last week as Newcastle led 5-0 at half-time on their way to a 6-1 rout.
That allowed Eddie Howe to heavily rotate his side, with four-goal hero from the first leg Anthony Gordon among those left on the bench.
Newcastle still made another fast start to add to their lead twice inside six minutes.
Sandro Tonali fired in the rebound after Dan Burn’s shot was saved before Joelinton stroked in Harvey Barnes’ cross.
Qarabag had taken the scalps of Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt in the league phase to make the play-off round and at least salvaged some pride with two goals in the second half.
Camilo Duran outpaced Burn to pull a goal back before the Newcastle defender was penalized for handball inside the box.The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s penalty but Elvin Jafarguliyev netted the rebound.
In between the visitors’ two goals, Sven Botman powered in a header from a corner.
That took the tally of goals conceded by Qarabag in the Champions League to 30 — a single season record in the competition.
