In football, sometimes a player gets an opportunity completely out of the blue. An injury to someone else, a need for rotation, or just a twist of fate can open a door.
For a young player, stepping through that door and making the most of the chance is everything. For Newcastle United’s William Osula, that exact situation happened in the Carabao Cup match against Bradford City. And from the sound of it, he didn’t just step through the door; he made sure it stayed wide open.
The story leading up to the game adds an extra layer to his performance. The end of the summer transfer window was a uncertain time for Osula.
He was very close to leaving Newcastle, with a move to German club Eintracht Frankfurt being discussed right up to the deadline. In the end, the deal fell through, and Osula remained a Newcastle player.
For any young athlete, that kind of turbulence can be distracting. Instead of letting it affect him, however, he used it as fuel. When his number was called against Bradford, with new signing Nick Woltemade being rested, Osula was ready.
The most obvious and exciting part of his performance was the two goals he scored. Scoring is always the ultimate aim for a forward, and doing it twice in a single game is a fantastic confidence booster.
But what seemed to impress his manager, Eddie Howe, even more were the other parts of his game. After the match, Howe didn’t just talk about the goals. He specifically highlighted three things that really stood out to him.
First, he praised Osula’s “hold-up play.” This is a crucial skill for a striker, especially in a team like Newcastle that likes to build attacks.
It means the player can receive the ball with his back to the goal, often under pressure from a defender, and keep possession.
He can shield the ball, control it, and then lay it off to a teammate, allowing the whole team to move up the field together. It’s a selfless and intelligent part of the game that coaches absolutely love.
Second, Howe mentioned his “wing play.” Later in the game, when Anthony Elanga was substituted, Osula moved out to a wider position. Instead of becoming less effective, he adapted brilliantly.
He showed he could take on defenders, deliver crosses into the box, and cause problems from the flank. This versatility is incredibly valuable.
.It shows that he is not a one-dimensional player; he has the football brain and the skills to contribute in different roles depending on what the team needs.
Third, and this is more of an overall point, Howe talked about how Osula is “slowly but surely improving his game.”
This might be the most important comment of all. It shows the manager sees a player who is coachable, who is working hard in training every day, and who is developing steadily.
For a young player, that continuous improvement is often more important than one flashy performance.
All of this has put Osula in a very interesting position. With Yoane Wissa still injured and not expected back until October, there is a spot available in the team for the upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal.
Eddie Howe said that Osula’s performance has done his chances of starting “no harm.” That is manager-speak for saying he has made a very strong case for himself.
Of course, playing against a top team like Arsenal is a much bigger challenge than a cup game against a League One side, but every player has to start somewhere.
Newcastle signed Osula for around £10 million, which in today’s transfer market could one day look like a very smart piece of business.
The fact that a club like Frankfurt were willing to pay more for him just a few weeks ago shows that other people see his potential too.
After a performance like this, the club might be feeling relieved that the transfer didn’t happen. If William Osula can continue to build on this foundation, working on his hold-up play, his versatility, and his overall game, he might not just be a temporary solution.
He could become a genuine part of Newcastle’s future, making that £10 million fee look like an absolute bargain.
