William Osula: I hope I can become important for Denmark

William Osula’s rise over the past year has gathered remarkable momentum, and the Newcastle United forward is now setting his sights on becoming a key figure for Denmark after finally making his long-awaited senior international debut.

Having enjoyed the most productive season of his young career at club level, Osula capped a memorable campaign by earning his first senior appearance for Denmark in last week’s international friendly against DR Congo.

The appearance marked another significant step in the development of a player who has steadily forced his way into the spotlight through persistence, patience and an impressive run of form.

Reward for club progress

Osula’s breakthrough on the international stage has been several years in the making. The striker had already established himself as one of Denmark’s most promising attacking talents at youth level, scoring eight goals in 15 appearances for the Under-21 side.

His performances earned him a senior call-up for World Cup qualifying fixtures against Scotland and Greece last year. However, despite making the squad, he was forced to watch from the bench without featuring.

A similar experience followed during World Cup play-off matches against North Macedonia and Czechia earlier this year.

Rather than becoming frustrated, Osula continued to focus on his development at Newcastle. His determination eventually paid off as strong performances in black and white convinced Denmark manager Brian Riemer that the striker deserved an opportunity at senior level.

That chance finally arrived in a goalless draw against DR Congo, when Osula was introduced from the bench in place of Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu to earn his first cap for the national team.

From squad player to trusted starter

The debut represented another reward in what has been a transformative campaign for the former Sheffield United prospect.

Under Eddie Howe, Osula gradually became a more prominent figure in Newcastle’s first-team plans. Increased responsibility brought increased confidence, and the forward responded with a rich vein of scoring form that helped elevate his status within the squad.

He finished the season with six goals in his final nine appearances, a run that highlighted both his growing maturity and his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Those displays not only strengthened his position at St James’ Park but also accelerated his rise within the Danish national team setup.

Just days after making his debut, Osula was handed his first senior start as Denmark faced Ukraine on Sunday.

Ambition for club and country

The match against Ukraine was overshadowed by a medical emergency involving midfielder Christian Eriksen, leading to the fixture being abandoned during the second half. Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen later confirmed Eriksen was recovering well and had sent his greetings to teammates.

For Osula, however, the occasion still represented another important milestone in a season filled with progress.

Now firmly established on Denmark’s radar, the Newcastle attacker is determined to ensure his first cap is only the beginning of a much longer international career.

“Now I have made my debut and I am very grateful for that,” Osula told Danish outlet Bold.

“If I continue to play well at club level, I hope I can become important for the national team and play a role here.”

The 21-year-old also acknowledged that sustained performances will be the key to securing a regular place in Denmark’s plans.

“I have to keep showing what I can do on the field and keep knocking.”