The start of something special?
Newcastle United's newest hero, Nick Woltemade, couldn't have endeared himself to the fans more than he did on Saturday (September 13).
In the 28th minute, the German rose above two Wolves players to head home imperiously, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 home win against Wolves.
Nick Woltemade celebrates after scoring against Wolves_(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)_
During and after the game, chants of Woltemade, Woltemade, ole ole ole rang around the stadium. Newcastle's 6ft 6in centre forward has arrived.
Aside from his goal, how did Woltemade fare in his debut?
Player analysis - Nick Woltemade
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### **Link up play**
Having watched Woltemade on Saturday, what is clear is how adept Newcastle's number 27 is at dropping deep and linking up play.
Whether that be laying off another player for a shot, bringing wide players into a move, or holding up the ball, if Newcastle can utilise this trait, it can become very effective.
No more so than on the counterattack - as seen around minute 10 - Woltemade dropped deep, used his large frame to protect the ball, before bringing others into the game on the transition, culminating in a good chance for Newcastle.
As expected for a player who is 201cm, he's not the quickest, so why not make the most of his strengths?
### Technical ability
This goes hand in hand with his link-up play, but, particularly for his size, Woltemade's technical astuteness is impressive.
The player's size and quick feet, at times, allow him to slip through defenders, similarly to the 6ft 4in Alexander Isak.
Woltemade battles with Wolves' Yerson Mosquera_(Image: Owen Humphreys.PA Wire)_
His skill on the ball, as seen against Wolves in minutes 22 and 63, will help Newcastle win set pieces - something that will only become increasingly important to the team.
### A handful
Woltemade is a nuisance, and what I believe will become abundantly clear as the weeks go on is that defenders don't know how to police him.
His physical profile is a lot to manage, and what makes him even more effective are the other players around him.
In the 13th minute, this was seen against Wolves: 6ft 7in Dan Burn, 6ft 1in powerhouse Joelinton, and of course, Woltemade, all vying for the same ball.
I'm talking about Tino Livramento's long throw in at minute 13 - the ball came through all three of Newcastle's big men, falling to the feet of Jacob Murphy, who really should have scored.
This type of move will only become more prevalent. As long as our set-piece delivery can improve, then expect Newcastle to get joy from this method.
### Goal analysis
A classic centre forward's goal - a throwback to Newcastle strikers of old like Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Duncan Ferguson, and Faustino Asprilla - all of whom were excellent headers of the ball.
We saw this time and time and time again last season between him and Isak, but first and foremost, what a superb ball from Murphy.
The perennially underrated Murphy, who racked up 12 Premier League assists last season, hits another cracking ball into the box, begging Woltemade to meet it.
That doesn't take anything away from Woltemade, though, who, with some excellent movement, peeled in between Wolves defenders Hugo Bueno and Emmanuel Agbadou, to emphatically fire into the top left-hand corner.
Woltemade's header proved decisive in Newcastle's 1-0 victory_(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)_
After the game, Woltemade said, "It can’t be better for me on my debut. A goal on my home debut and a win, I’m really happy.
"The crowd made me feel really welcome. When I scored, all I could see were happy faces. I want to enjoy every moment, and I am looking forward to a few more games. This win was really important."
A brilliant goal from Woltemade, which capped off a dream debut; as a fan, you couldn't have asked for a better start from the centre forward.
### Looking ahead
All eyes are now on Newcastle's Champions League opener, at home to Barcelona on Thursday (September 18). Will it be another classic game, like the 3-2 home win against the Catalonians in 1997? If Woltemade can take a leaf out of Asprilla's book, then we have a chance!