Will Osula almost left but now feeling the serious benefits – Eddie Howe | OneFootball

Eddie Howe now admits it was a relief that Will Osula didn’t leave Newcastle United at the end of the transfer window.

The young Danish striker was close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt last month only for the move to fall through.

A move that could have been permanent or on loan, which would have been Eddie Howe’s preference.

In 280 minutes of action for Newcastle United in all competitions this season, Will Osula twice in the Carabao Cup and once in the Premier League, plus also a Champions League assist.

However, probably his most valuable contribution so far this season came on Saturday, a great run and shot which saw Bruno score the winner against Fulham from the rebound.

Eddie Howe talking about Will Osula ahead of the Spurs match in the Carabao Cup:

“I think it was well documented that Will Osula could have left, in a variety of ways, whether that was a loan…which was always our preference, because from our point of view we wanted Will to play.

“We wanted him to continue his development. Which he did brilliantly last year, because he committed to a path of limited playing time but big training time. A lot of work with Graeme Jones, a lot of work reviewing his performances, then a lot of putting work into action.

“The next step was for Will to try and play regularly, so that was the aim [with the Eintracht Frankfurt move], especially with us bringing two strikers in.

“Obviously it didn’t happen and much to our relief it didn’t, because Yoane picked up an injury and Will is vitally important.

“We believe in his talents. He’s got speed. You could see that when he came on the pitch the other day.

“He’s quick, athletic but through his continued attitude to training, he’s got a better know-how and nous, in terms of how to manage game situations.

“He’s benefited from that and coming on the pitch looking like the complete package.

Every time he has came on the pitch this season he has invariably performed, that’s given him further belief for the next appearance.

“He is nursing an ankle injury and I think he is showing real maturity.

“Limited training time, he is not finishing in training at the moment because his ankle is too sore. So we are having to navigate through that whilst still keeping him available.

“The Will that I know is that great personality, with a real zest for life.

“Always laughing and joking. He’s popular in dressing room. He’s certainly got very close friendships.

“But what I think has changed probably, this year more than the last, is that he is very serious about his work.

“When it is work time he puts on a different face and he is very serious about his development and about his game, which has been a positive slight change. I think he was serious last year, but I think we have seen a more mature Will this year with his work, and I think he has benefited from that.”