Eddie Howe spoke to the press ahead of Newcastle United’s important Premier League clash against Brighton.
The Magpies are looking to end a torrid run away from home against the Seagulls away from home and move further towards qualification for the Champions League.
Newcastle United remained in third place following Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Brentford on Thursday night, giving them all the impetus they need to push on in the final four games this season.
Toon boss Eddie Howe will be well aware of their previous results against Brighton this season. The Magpies lost both their games at St James’ Park to Sunday’s opponents in the Premier League and the FA Cup, respectively.
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Yankuba Minteh came back to haunt Newcastle in the FA Cup after being sold to Brighton to avoid a PSR points deduction last summer, they are set to be reunited with the former Newcastle man again at the American Express Stadium.
While the Newcastle boss will be fully focused on naming his strongest XI possible on Sunday, he took the time to answer questions about one player who has impressed in the last week.
Eddie Howe comments on William Osula’s progress at Newcastle United
Since joining last summer, William Osula has barely been given a good runout in Newcastle’s starting XI. The 21-year-old has been limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League, while making just three starts across the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
While he has only made 17 appearances in all competitions, Osula has shown what he is capable of. Osula scored his first goal for the club in Newcastle’s 3-1 win against Bromley, a fantastic finish from a tight angle.
Osula scored his first Premier League goal in Newcastle’s win against Ipswich Town last Saturday, a lovely looping header. Anthony Elanga congratulated Osula for the goal, but the Dane must now continue to show Howe he deserves to have a place in the starting XI.
Speaking to the press about Osula’s progress ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Brighton on Sunday, Howe said: “Yeah, doing well. I think his goal last week gave him a big lift – a big confidence boost.
“I think he’s trained pretty consistently all season, and he’s very enthusiastic, very driven. There is still work to do in his game, as there is with every player, but he’s going in the right direction.”
Howe was also asked about Osula’s exuberance, to which he said: “I always encourage the players to be themselves and Will is very much himself. Hopefully the supporters take to that personality and I think they have, and it’s great to see. The love and affection between player and supporter is so important. He will feel that love and that will help his game.
“He’s bright, he’s bubbly, he’s enthusiastic, he’s passionate and they’re positive things and will help his career. For us it’s about being consistent with our development of him.
“Not everybody has his ability and his attributes so it’s about honing those skills and making sure we continue to get him ready for the rigours of the Premier League.”
William Osula could solve Newcastle United headache next season
Osula joined Newcastle for £15m last summer, but the youngster is seen as more of a project player for the beginning of his career on Tyneside.
While Newcastle fans call for Osula to play more often, it is believed that Howe still does not trust the 21-year-old even after his promising performances this season.
Osula is predominantly known for being a centre-forward, but the feeling is that he could be utilised in other positions going forward.
In a press conference earlier in 2025, Howe hinted that Osula could play as a right-winger in the future. Fans got a glimpse of him in that position during an FA Cup clash against Birmingham City, where he bagged two assists.
Supporters must stay patient for the time being before they get to see Osula play more consistently for the Magpies.
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