Alan Shearer says how he truly feels about Will Osula starting for Newcastle United vs Leeds

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The Newcastle United starting XI is going to look very different against Leeds United on Saturday, and it could include Will Osula.

Following Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool on Monday night, Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make this weekend. With Anthony Gordon suspended, he will need to deploy a new striker. And with injuries to Joelinton and Sandro Tonali too, the Newcastle United midfield could look very different.

Up front poses the biggest problem, at a time when Alexander Isak is refusing to play.

With Gordon ruled out, there could be an opportunity for Will Osula to start his first Premier League game for the club on the back of his goal against Liverpool.

Howe was pleased with Osula’s contribution, but he remains a player who still has a lot to learn.

• Who is William Osula? Get to know the rapid Newcastle United striker who is quickly becoming a cult hero

Alan Shearer thinks Will Osula will play for Newcastle United against Leeds

That is the view of Alan Shearer, who has spoken about the 22-year-old on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast.

The Newcastle United legend believes that Osula could get a chance against Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday, but has admitted that the youngster still has a lot of room for improvement.

“I think he is very raw,” he said.

“He’s still learning. He’s still getting used to the pace. Because of the situation now with Anthony Gordon missing three games, he’s probably going to have to play or start on Saturday against Leeds. It will be a good opportunity for him.

“Plenty to learn, but you can’t ever fault his attitude. He’ll give as good as he’s got and he’ll make it difficult for defenders. But he’s still got work to do.”

Will Osula should start for Newcastle against Leeds

Osula is a long way away from being the finished article. However, he has improved a lot since his arrival from Sheffield United in 2024.

He is yet to start a Premier League game for the Magpies, but that should change this weekend. With Gordon suspended and Isak sitting at home, Eddie Howe needs to turn to the Denmark Under-21 international.

He has the pace and power that can cause Leeds problems, while putting him in the starting XI should serve as a massive confidence boost.

There are not many other alternatives for Howe to explore. One of his wingers could play centrally, or there is the possibility of a new striker arriving in time to face Leeds. But even if that does happen, it feels unlikely that Howe will thrust them straight into the starting lineup.

If ever there was a time for Osula to start a Premier League game for Newcastle, it is Saturday against Leeds.