Michael Owen has called on Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle to recall Will Osula to the starting XI for Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa, arguing the striker "staked his claim" with his goals at the end of last season.
New signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo has started the last three matches up front following his £51 million summer move from Lille, but the Belgium international has struggled to make an impact. The 21-year-old missed two gilt-edged chances in Monday's 4-1 defeat at Coventry City, a match that also saw Osula return from injury for the first time since the opening-day draw with Liverpool.
Osula's Pre-Season Form and Return
The Denmark international had a strong pre-season, building on his five goals in the final seven matches of last term. Club insiders suggested his data was "off the charts" and "clubs were ringing off the hook" to understand his transfer situation this summer.
Injury has prevented him from building on that momentum this season, but his return at the CBS Arena has prompted the former Newcastle captain to suggest he should start against Aston Villa.
Owen's Verdict on Newcastle's Number Nine
"Osula staked his claim at the end of last season and scored some important goals and he didn't really get much of a chance in the early days with other players doing so well," Owen told Chronicle Live, speaking as ambassador of Casino.org.
"But then a couple of players leave, the likes of Wissa joined and then toyed with Woltemade as well, played him as a nine and then dropped him further back.
"Listen, the number nine, the striker at Newcastle is a big position. It is a unique position and they love their number nines up there so there is a lot pressure on that position.
"But they have spent a fair few quid on attacking positions over the last few years and they do look like scoring goals when they play so I would be reasonably positive."
