Newcastle United’s options from the bench have come under scrutiny in recent weeks, despite the run of games that has seen four consecutive wins. One of which includes a cup final triumph at Wembley, by the way.
The success has been achieved with an at-times threadbare team. The starting XI has virtually picked itself with the likes of Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Anthony Gordon and Jamaal Lascelles all missing. Eddie Howe has turned to his replacements in the latter stages, but the options have been limited at times.
One area where Newcastle can’t afford any further injuries is in attack, and specifically to Alexander Isak. The superstar striker has hit 20 Premier League goals despite looking in recent games like he is being hampered by a groin injury. Resting the forward when possible could be key to achieving Champions League qualification and there will be a signing made in the summer it seems.
The argument over who should get more game time as Isak’s back-up in the last few games of the season is one that is splitting fans, however. On one hand, you have Callum Wilson, an experienced England international who has scored 88 Premier League goals but, at 33, is working his way back to full speed after a series of injuries. On the other hand, there is Will Osula, the £12m summer signing from Sheffield United, who has been restricted to cameos and is still unproven at the top level.
Wilson, of course, could be on his way out in the summer as his contract runs out but has shown he is still a man for the big occasion, with his cup final appearance helping United get over the line. Osula is raw and untried but exciting, energetic and driven.
Which of the two players should be Isak’s support partner for the rest of the season? Our Newcastle United writers give their verdict on the striker back-up debate.
Lee Ryder
Eddie Howe gave a telling response on Callum Wilson a few weeks ago when he said you don’t “write off” a player of his capabilities. With just one goal to his name this season, Wilson has not looked like the prolific star that once burst on to the scene at St James’ Park.
But he still has experience in abundance and he is the type of player you need to use in the run-in. I think he still has a goal or two left in him but it will be those crucial moments in the big games against the likes of Chelsea, Brighton and Arsenal where Howe will lean on Wilson to be shrewd.
Eating up vital seconds, holding the ball up and making the odd tactical foul could be key. Will Osula looks like a really bright prospect and I’ve been impressed with him flashes.
However, this season has been a struggle for him when it comes to building up any game time or getting a run in the team. He may get that next season with Europe beckoning, or he may go on loan.
Right now, it is about the experience factor going into the crucial run-in. And Wilson is your man for that.
Ciaran Kelly
Alexander Isak’s durability has been crucial this season. The Newcastle United star, after all, has started 90% of the club’s league games and the Magpies have certainly felt the benefit of his increased availability.
However, Newcastle could do with someone to share the load in the summer. Finding such a player is not easy. Who would want to be, essentially, a back-up striker when goal scorers, by their very nature, desperately want to play?
That’s why Callum Wilson at his best was such a useful foil for Isak. Who could forget how the pair pushed each other when Newcastle last qualified for the Champions League or how the veteran linked up with Isak when they started together at Burnley last year?
Newcastle have not had that same Wilson this season, though, following a spate of injuries and the 33-year-old looks a little rusty as he enters the final months of his contract. You still would not bet against him having the nous to pop up with an important goal from the bench in the coming weeks, though, at a time when William Osula still remains raw at this level.
Aaron Stokes
I’m not totally of the opinion that Callum Wilson is finished at this level. Yes, he may not have looked as sharp as usual since returning from injury but the back-up striker is still working his way back to peak physical fitness and has been handed limited minutes since his return from the sidelines.
As for William Osula, I, like many others, feel excited by what is to come from the youngster. He looks hungry, pacey and full of promise – but admittedly does still look rather green.
Eddie Howe knows the score. If Osula was ready for more responsibility in the Premier League, he’d been receiving it. Instead, I think we’ll have to wait until next season to really see proper chances handed to the young gun.
For now, I’d back Wilson to find the net more than Osula – and am totally on board with Howe keeping the veteran forward as Alexander Isak’s immediate backup.
Stuart Jamieson
What the last few months have shown beyond doubt is Newcastle need better back-up striker options for Alexander Isak. I’m a huge fan of Callum Wilson and feel what he’s done for the club – often in difficult circumstances – has been somewhat underplayed. However, it looks as though time, and those never-ending injuries – have finally taken their toll. Will Osula’s lack of gametime tells you all you need to know. If anything I think he may do a better job in a wide role, as we saw at Birmingham in the FA Cup, rather than a No 9.
If there was less to play for in the final weeks of the season then I would love to see wildcard Sean Neave given a chance, but even if he has to wait for his debut, it’s refreshing to see young academy talent making the bench. But when it comes to Wilson and Osula, United need to upgrade this summer.
Ross Gregory
If I want a goal from the bench. If I want someone to hold the ball up in a corner in the dying embers of a cup final. If I want a physical presence with some nous, experience and cunning. If I want any of those, I turn to Callum Wilson.
If I want someone I don’t know what I’m going to get from one second to the next. If I want a raw, random but energetic cameo. If I want a maverick to spark. If I want any of those, I turn to Will Osula.
Andrew Musgrove
I would like to see William Osula get more game time but I think his brief appearance in the win over Leicester City showed why that won’t happen. He was very erratic and made some poor decisions with the ball – and reaffirmed that he is a young man learning his trade rather than someone ready to play back-up to Alexander Isak.
That being said, Callum Wilson has not covered himself in glory in recent outings – he’s done nothing wrong but at the same time hasn’t looked fresh at all. I think with so much riding on the last eight games of the season, Eddie Howe will stick with Wilson and hope that the number nine manages to find the back of the net – and I agree with that.
