Surprise Newcastle United player compared to Erling Haaland - it’s not who you think
Newcastle United paid £10million to sign William Osula from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window
Former Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies believes William Osula “has everything” - and compared the youngster to Erling Haaland.
Newcastle United stumped up around £10million for the versatile forward, who can play anywhere across the frontline. Osula’s goal record at Sheffield United was poor but the Magpies saw enough to strike a deal that could rise up to £15million.
Capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, the 21-year-old has drawn comparisons to new Toon teammate Alexander Isak for his pace and gangly frame. But ex-Premier League centre-back Davies, who played alongside Osula at Derby, compared him to another Nordic nightmare.
“I’ve played with him and, attributes-wise, he’s got everything,” he told Sky Sports when discussing United's transfer business. “With a coach like Eddie (Howe) there, who can nurture him and get him into that team, in the right environment and right way to push him forward, he could be a big signing come the end of the season.
“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, he can score both feet, and he can go past you. I’m not going to disrespect it but he’s a bit like a poor man’s Haaland as such.
“He’s got all those attributes. Honestly, he can be that good, he just needs the fine-tuning of a coach like Eddie Howe.”
As it stands, Eddie Howe is yet to hand Osula - a Denmark under-21 international - his Newcastle debut in the professional ranks. The striker did, however, impress in United’s pre-season friendly victory against Stade Brestois.