Eddie Howe will need a lot more from William Osula at Newcastle United next season.
While Newcastle rate Osula highly behind the scenes, the prospect of him starting the season as their main source of goals is a worry.
The 21-year-old didn’t start a Premier League game last season and scored only two goals in his limited game time.
That’s not so much a criticism of Osula himself, just that it’s clear he remains a developing talent.
Still, it’s looking increasingly likely that Howe will need to lean on the Danish U21 international a touch more next season.
Indeed, Callum Wilson has left and Alexander Isak wants to follow suit. Newcastle haven’t signed a forward and, if Isak goes too, they will need to bring in two.
With that in mind, Osula looks to be the only recognised forward guaranteed to play for Newcastle next season.
He played a large part of the game against Arsenal in a pre-season defeat on Sunday and Howe delivered his verdict.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesEddie Howe thinks William Osula is getting better
The Newcastle United manager was asked about Osula’s performance against the Gunners shortly after the game.
Howe said Osula had improved upon his outing against Celtic last week.
“He’s getting more minutes than maybe he would if we had more players in that position,” he said. “It’s a great chance for him to showcase what he brings, what he’s about.
“I thought today was a much better performance from him from the Celtic game. I thought he looked fitter and sharper, naturally through the work that we’ve done.
“He had a couple of chances to score. His attitude was very good, and he looked hungry to get in the right positions to try and score. So, I thought he can be really pleased today.”
William Osula stats for Newcastle United against Arsenal
Clearly, it would be unwise to read too much into a pre-season game. Players are still getting fit and it was a hot and humid atmosphere out in Singapore.
Arsenal vs Newcastle statisticsWilliam OsulaMinutes played74Touches17Shots0Shots on target1Key passes1Passing accuracy100%William Osula’s stats for Newcastle United against Arsenal, data via Sofa Score
It wasn’t a brilliant day at the office for the 21-year-old, however.
As per Sofa Score data, he mustered only one shot in 74 minutes of action and it did not hit the target.
Osula had 17 touches, played one key pass and left the field with a passing accuracy of 100%.