**One of the things Newcastle United aimed to do in the summer transfer window was to ensure that the squad had the depth to compete in the Champions League and not have it have a detrimental effect on the domestic competitions.**
We were expecting players with Champions League experience to be at the top of the list for the Magpies, but looking at the players Newcastle brought in, it's clear that it wasn't a dealbreaker.
Malick Thiaw, who is yet to start a game, has played 14 games in the Champions League. Jacob Ramsey, who is currently injured, has 10 appearances, and Aaron Ramsdale, who is second-fiddle to Nick Pope, has just one Champions League appearance to his name.
Anthony Elanga managed three Champions League appearances with Manchester United as a youngster, so even those who do have experience aren't bringing a wealth with them.
Nick Woltemade is looking forward to Barcelona
Newcastle's centre-forwards are all Champions League virgins
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The two strikers Newcastle brought in have no experience between them, with Yoane Wissa using the chance to move to a Champions League club as a big reason for why he forced through his move to the Toon.
Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade, despite being a full Germany international and starring for the German under-21s in the summer, also has no Champions League experience, but he's not letting that bring him down. The German is very excited to make his UCL debut on Thursday and has told [The Shields Gazette](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/nick-woltemade-newcastle-united-wolves-5318566) that it doesn't get better than playing Barcelona at home.
> “It's such a nice game. It's my first Champions League game at home, and here, against Barcelona, it just can't be better. I'm really looking forward to it.”
We back Nick Woltemade to stand up and be counted on Thursday
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Woltemade is expected to start for Newcastle again, with Wissa having been ruled out for four to five weeks after picking up a knee injury.
The 23-year-old took to the Premier League like he'd been playing here all his career on his debut on Saturday, so let's hope he can do the same with the Champions League.
Pressure clearly doesn't seem to bother the lad, so we don't see him shrinking into the game. He's surrounded by players who now have some Champions League experience thanks to the club's involvement two years ago. Again, like the new additions, there aren't many at the club who have a wealth of Champions League experience, but some is better than none.