'Big developments': Eddie Howe sings praises of player who changed everything for Newcastle United on Saturday
Newcastle United made a big call on transfer deadline day when they pulled out of a deal to send Will Osula to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Danish Under-21 striker looked to be heading to Germany on deadline day, but the Magpies backed out of the deal at the eleventh hour, and it has since proved to be a pivotal moment in Newcastle's season.
Just days after this, Newcastle's £55 million summer signing Yoane Wissa picked up an injury on international duty before he'd even made his debut for the club leaving Eddie Howe with Will Osula who hadn't exactly set the world alight in his first season at Newcastle, and new boy Nick Woltemade who everybody thought would need time to adapt to the Premier League.
Woltemade didn't need that time, and Will Osula has popped up with some massive contributions, including a goal against Liverpool and a brace against Bradford in the Carabao Cup.
Will Osula's unpredictability caused chaos for Fulham's back line
On Saturday, Newcastle were struggling to break down Fulham's defence despite applying constant pressure late in the game. Will Osula was introduced in place of Nick Woltemade and suddenly that solid defence looked very shaky.
Osula's pace and unpredictability forced another error from Calvin Bassey, and Osula was able to get a shot away that was parried by Bernd Leno into the path of Bruno Guimares, who slotted the ball home to win it for Newcastle.
What makes that even better is what Eddie Howe said about Osula after the game.
Will Osula isn't 100% fit
Speaking to the media (via The Shields Gazette) at full-time, Eddie Howe admitted that Osula isn't 100% fit and is playing with an ankle injury.
“I'm really pleased with Will because he's not 100% fit. He's nursing an ankle problem, so we've got to try and manage him correctly.
“But I think you've seen — everyone that's watched this — big development in his game, big change in his confidence levels.
“Because of that, he's coming on the pitch and influencing matches. He's got great attributes today. He did really, really well. I thought, to choose the right time to shoot.
“And Bernd Leno has made a good save, but our captain's there to finish off the move. So, it's a massive goal for us.”
If this isn't Osula at 100%, then I'm glad we kept hold of him. I've always said there's a player there and that Eddie Howe can get it out of him and it's starting to come true.
