Newcastle United’s strong representation at the U-21 EUROs continued on Wednesday night, as Will Osula and Tino Livramento continue to be amongst the top-rated stars of the tournament so far.
Osula’s Denmark went unbeaten in Group D, and the 21-year-old was arguably his country’s most impactful player, popping up with some vital goals and assists.
Livramento, meanwhile, one of the more experienced players in the team heading into the tournament, has enjoyed similar praise.
Here’s a more detailed look at each Mag’s campaign so far, and what’s coming their way in the knockout stage as the group phase comes to an end.
Outstanding Osula involved in another goal
Prior to the EUROs, Osula was a player who many were clamouring to see earn more minutes on a bigger stage to showcase what he could do.
And when given the opportunity this tournament, he’s more than delivered, contributing an outstanding three goals and two assists across 136 minutes of football to help Denmark reach the quarter-finals.
He grabbed a goal and an assist in his opening game, helping Denmark pick up a big three points and complete the comeback to beat Ukraine 3-2.
And the 21-year-old was given the nod from the start against the Netherlands, delivering a brilliant brace en-route to another a 2-1 victory.
Rounding up his group stage action, Osula was rotated now their spot in the last eight was secured, but he still made an impact off the bench, this time setting up Conrad Harder as they drew 2-2 with Finland.
An unbeaten record for Osula and the Danes, with only Germany’s Nick Woltemade scoring more goals than Osula’s three.
Odd Livramento call backfires for England
It’s been a slightly more frustrating experience for Livramento at the EUROs after an electric start.
Despite an assist in a Player of the Match performance in the opener against Czechia, and impressing in an otherwise blunt draw with Slovenia, the full-back was dropped for the final group game against Germany last night.
It’s unclear if he was carrying a knock, but it may be a decision that Lee Carsley regrets, as Germany’s left winger Ansgar Knauff found the net within three minutes of kick off down what would’ve been Tino’s side.
Set to play Spain in the quarter-finals, a direct rematch from the 2023 final, let’s hope that Livramento will return to the starting XI and help the Young Lions make the semis.
He shouldn’t even be there, belongs in the starting XI of the senior side. Where TBF Carsley should be managing, not some German bloke
Jimbo72(Quote)
We are looking for a player to back up isak and a right winger Eddie open your eyes he’s sitting on your bench already just give him a chance
Bill Herbert(Quote)
I think the problem with Will getting more minutes is his decision making. I believe it was against Brentford last season where he came on late and needlessly gave the ball away with a risky pass when all he needed to do was maintain possession. Brentford immediately countered and scored. He didn’t get any minutes for a while after that.
He needs to calm down as much as anything. He needs to have a bit more composure, the problem is he gets so few minutes he clearly feels like he has to try and do everything at once to prove he’s worth playing more and he ends up trying too hard and making mistakes.
I don’t know if anyone has ever watched his youth team goals, but he was banging them in for fun. He looked so calm and composed in front of goal, he just needs to rediscover that at senior level. A loan where he’ll be first choice is the best thing for him really, because he’ll only improve with consistent game time.
Ian(Quote)
If I were Izak I would be doing all I could to go to Liverpool. I could see him getting multiple goals every with their 4 man break-out technique.
Walj(Quote)
Tino played for City he would be playing in England’s first Team.
Under Pep he could be the next Cafu!
Rumpelstiltskin(Quote)