Pundit Paul Merson had one big criticism for Nick Woltemade before he scored on his Newcastle United debut.
Woltemade’s first goal for Newcastle United saw them beat Wolves on Saturday as Eddie Howe’s side claimed their first Premier League win of the season.
While it was hardly a vintage display from Newcastle United, they dug deep and restored some confidence heading into Thursday’s huge Champions League clash with Barcelona.
It was brilliant to see Woltemade get on the scoresheet, too. Had it not been for Yoane Wissa’s injury, the German international may not have even started on Saturday.
Now, he’s up and running after a fine header from a Jacob Murphy cross.
The former Stuttgart forward certainly made a statement on his debut, though Merson did have a bone to pick with him before the goal.
Nick Woltemade celebrates after scoring in a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Wolves.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Paul Merson’s verdict on Nick Woltemade
The former Arsenal and England star was watching Newcastle vs Wolves as part of Sky Sports’ coverage on Soccer Saturday.
When describing the goal, Merson revealed that he did not think the 23-year-old was getting into the box often enough.
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“My big critique of him so far is that he’s been tidy but he hasn’t really been getting into the box, he’s been coming short,” he said.
“This time he gets in the box.”
Merson added: “What a header. He rises, as he’s coming back down, he gets the power on it and heads it into the corner. Brilliant goal.”
Newcastle United fans already loving Nick Woltemade
Newcastle fans were chanting Woltemade’s name, such is their desire to see the club record signing do well.
Clearly, he remains a work in progress. Still, to score on his debut was a statement of intent and it’s worth keeping in mind how little training time he’s had with the rest of the Newcastle United squad due to the international break.
Under Howe, it would be wise to back the 23-year-old to further improve. It’s brilliant to get off the mark so quickly but there will be bigger tests to come.
The second that header hit the back of the net, the memory of Alexander Isak in a Newcastle shirt faded further into the distance.