Newcastle United have signed Alexander Isak 2.0 as Eddie Howe patience pays off
Newcastle United supporters saw the first signs of William Osula becoming Eddie Howe’s latest success story against Bromley on Sunday.
You can see why Newcastle United signed William Osula.
On 61 minutes, had the youngster been silhouetted, with zero sign of the flamboyant blonde weave that has become commonplace among the Toon ranks, everyone could be forgiven for thinking they were watching Alexander Isak. Peeling off to the right, he cut inside, dumbfounded a defender with a stopover before whipping a vicious weaker-foot shot past the hapless goalkeeper.
But this was not the £150million man. Osula - a £15million recruit - was the star of the stage as St James' Park showered him with a collective show of appreciation.
That might seem like bold praise for a 21-year-old after netting his first Newcastle goal against League Two opposition, but the Toon transfer blueprint became clear. A tall, pacy, elusive forward, capable of pressing from the front, beating a man and playing out wide, Osula’s profile draws comparisons to the super Swede.
Calling him a BTEC version might seem harsh but he should take that as a compliment given Isak’s relentless run of form. Osula’s footballing journey is four years behind - any comparison to a player worth a potential British transfer record should be taken in his stride.
Eddie Howe, the man tasked with getting his teeth stuck into Osula and moulding him into the high-intensity image, was certainly impressed. He told reporters post-match: “He’s been waiting for that moment. He’s been training hard. He has huge potential and quality.
“I haven’t seen him score many like that. I’m delighted for him. I’m very level. We’re delighted with the run of form we’re in.”
Howe has given himself serious credit in the bank when facing criticism for holding players back. Lewis Hall was the notable example last season, a player now viewed as England’s best and a nailed-on starter for the Magpies.
The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman were also eased into Tyneside life before becoming fans’ favourites. Again, no pressure, as the aforementioned stars now possess serious pedigree, but Osula could be the next cab off the Howe rank who had to wait his turn and graft on the training pitch before being shaped into success.