The Geordie duo that stood out this summer

Player Analysis
Written By Josh Purvis

Newcastle’s young duo Tino Livramento (left) and Will Osula (right) were two of the standout players at this year’s U21 European Championships.

The Under 21 European Championships are always an interesting watch as it can foreshadow which young players will make a name for themselves in the coming years - however for Newcastle it emphasised the young talent already at the club’s disposal.

Going into this year’s tournament, England were hotly tipped to go all the way and they delivered on this - knocking out fellow favourites Spain in the quarter-final and beating Germany at the final hurdle. 

One man who shone for them was our very own Tino Livramento, who was not just one of England’s bright sparks - but one of the tournament’s as a whole. 

The NUFC fullback started all five wins for Lee Carsley’s side which saw five goals conceded, one clean sheet and a Man of the Match performance from the youngster. 

His performance in the group stage opener against Czechia caught the eye of many as Tino inspired the Young Lions to a 3-1 victory. 

Starting on the left side of a back four, he caused many problems down the flank -  constantly occupying advanced positions and overlapping Omari Hutchinson. 

England’s first two goals came directly from Livramento making these deep runs - in which Hutchinson attracted multiple defenders to provide the fullback with space to attack, resulting in left footed crosses from Tino and goals for Harvey Elliott and Jonathan Rowe respectively. 

The following game against Slovenia saw Tino start yet again at left back, carrying the same attacking threat as he was unlucky not to get an assist after his low cross found James McAtee who’s shot was brilliantly saved by Martin Turk. 

Tino was able to play a much more advanced role in an England team that were expected to dominate the ball and the opposition in most games.

The young fullback was then rested for the side’s Group Stage loss to Germany and he then played every minute for the last three games on the right hand side of defence. 

This led to a more reserved and defensive role for him throughout the rest of the competition, with Jack Hinshelwood preferred at left back, however Livramento’s impressive performances on both sides of defence saw him rewarded with a spot in the Team of the Tournament - proving that he is more than ready to compete at the highest level.

Another Toon youngster that caught the eye was eccentric forward Will Osula.

The 21-year-old signed from relegated Sheffield United last summer and despite limited game time under Eddie Howe last season, he has quickly become a fan favourite due to his strong work rate on the pitch and likeable personality off it.

Osula has also now been recognised by the Denmark supporters after his impressive performances saw them reach the quarter-finals of the tournament - knocked out to France after two late goals saw them come from behind in a closely fought game. 

Even though he was only given 185 minutes of game time across the four games, Osula took full advantage of those minutes as he managed three goals as well as two assists - a goal involvement on average every 37 minutes. 

Despite only being handed two starts and little minutes, Osula was statistically one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition as he proved to be a handful for opposition defenders.

The young striker’s positive link up play with the front line and his movement and composure in the box saw him become one of the competition’s standout players in his few minutes on the pitch.

Osula will hope his effective performances have shown Howe he is able to make the step up to become a reliable and consistent first team player next season.

Josh Purvis
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