Will Osula names his toughest opponent despite barely playing for Newcastle United

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Will Osula only made 19 appearances during his debut year at Newcastle United, but he certainly learned a lot.

Newcastle bought Osula because of his potential, taking the gamble that he would blossom into a player worth much more than the £10million they spent on him.

Based on his performances at the European Under-21 Championship, Osula could become a star for Newcastle. He has scored three goals and provided three assists for Denmark, with the 21-year-old shining out in Slovakia.

However, Osula is still very raw and has so much more to learn. That is why Eddie Howe did not use him too much last season. The forward does not fully have the Newcastle United manager’s trust, as he still gets to grips with being a Premier League striker.

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

Will Osula picks out two elite opponents

Playing in the Premier League means taking on some of the best centre-backs around. Osula has endured that, despite his limited top flight minutes for Newcastle United and Sheffield United.

But who is the best defender that Osula has faced? That is the question he was asked during an interview with Danish outlet Campo.

“Maybe [Virgil] van Dijk,” he said.

“He’s good and really strong. Last season [2023/24] I would say Thiago Silva. Even though he’s not the fastest, he’s so smart. He reads and knows what to do before you do it.

“There are many good defenders [in the Premier League], they are all good, so you have to be quick and sharp.”

Osula’s coming together with Van Dijk came in February when the Magpies lost 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield. Eddie Howe was without Alexander Isak due to injury, while Callum Wilson failed to have much of an impact as a starter.

That resulted in Osula getting the chance to play 21 minutes against the Reds, as he got up close and personal with one of the best central defenders in world football.

What is next for Newcastle United youngster Will Osula at the European Under-21 Championship

Osula has helped Denmark Under-21s finish top of their group, picking up seven points from a possible nine.

They have advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face France Under-21s on Sunday for a place in the final four.

There is still a chance that Osula could come up against Newcastle United teammate Tino Livramento at the European Under-21 Championship. However, that will only happen if both Denmark and England reach the final.

The young Three Lions limped through the group stage and will face Spain in the quarter-finals on Saturday.