William Osula’s lack of Newcastle opportunities explained amid ‘patience’ plea
Lee Ryder
3 minutes
William Osula requires “time and patience” before making a full breakthrough with Newcastle United – with Eddie Howe pointing to Lewis Hall as a great example for the striker to follow.
The 21-year-old Danish striker arrived from Sheffield United for £15million in the summer but opportunities have been rare for him so far. He was handed a start against AFC Wimbledon in the 1-0 win at St James’ Park but Howe has hinted to fans not to expect him to open up against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Howe gradually introduced Hall, and Tino Livramento, to first-team life at Newcastle with both full-backs now regulars in his squad. But he is fearful of rushing Osula through the process and has pleaded with fans to stay patient.
When asked if it is easy to forget the tender age of Osula, Howe told Chronicle Live: “It is huge because a lot of the time now we look at the transfer fee of a player rather than the age. Or the career history they’ve had until they came to us.
“Lewis came to us as a highly talented young player but one that needed development and one that needed help. He needed time on the training pitch.
“There are big similarities for me between Lewis and William Osula. Will needs time and patience.
“He certainly has the attributes but we as coaches need to take our chances to work with him in the areas of the game he needs. Everyone on the outside needs to have patience around his development.
“Lewis was exactly the same, I think the credit to Lewis is he got his head down and worked.
“The transfer fee can sometimes get in the way of that because there is an elevated expectation on the player. But Lewis stayed calm and saw the long-term development and now is reaping the benefits of that.”
Dan Burn of Newcastle United
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