£10m Newcastle United player now thinks he has got so much better under Eddie Howe

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Eddie Howe made wholesale changes to his Newcastle United team against Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

The Newcastle United manager made eight changes to the team that drew with Manchester City, with Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes the only players to retain their places in the starting XI.

The likes of Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock got the chance to prove their worth, while there was a first ever Newcastle United start for Will Osula.

He led the line on Tuesday night, as Newcastle beat Wimbledon 1-0 to set up a Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Chelsea.

Will Osula makes his first start for Newcastle United

It was great to see Osula get the chance to start on Tuesday night. Until the Wimbledon game, he had been limited to just one substitute appearance. That came in the final 10 minutes of the 3-1 defeat to Fulham.

The 21-year-old got the chance to start in the Carabao Cup, but was unable to net his first goal for the club.

However, Osula was praised for his work rate, and there were signs that he has the raw tools to be a success at St James’ Park.

Osula reflects on the start to his Newcastle United career

There is a clear need for improvement, but the potential is there when it comes to the Danish youngster.

But Osula is clearly willing to put in the hard work, and he has told BBC Radio Newcastle that he thinks he has already improved since his £10million arrival from Sheffield United.

“Yeah I’m improving,” he said.

“The training is great, it’s top training. Everyday is 100%, getting better. Take every day as it comes and try to improve constantly and get better.”

Osula also spoke to the official Newcastle United website, and reflected on how the start of his Toon career has gone despite barely playing.

“It’s been good,” he said.

“I’ve been getting used to the playing style and the way we play football here. I’m very happy with the training, I’m training well and happy to get my opportunity today.”

Osula’s potential is clear to see

Eddie Howe has said he has high hopes for Osula, and it is easy to understand why after watching him against Wimbledon. However, it is also easy to understand why Newcastle United see him as a project player rather than the finished article.

At times, Osula struggled to get involved. He was largely anonymous for portions of the game, although that may be reflective of Wimbledon’s low block and Newcastle’s lack of creativity.

But Osula always tried to make things happen. He was constantly on the move, trying to make runs in behind to stretch the Wimbledon defence with his pace. Sadly, those runs were often not spotted by his Newcastle teammates.

Most importantly, his attitude looks good. He worked hard all night, pressing from the front and chasing lost causes. And even though his runs were not being picked out, he continued to make them.

It was a mixed night for Osula, but it is clear that he has potential. The hope is that he realises that potential on Tyneside, and Osula is confident that he has already improved since working with Eddie Howe.