Ben Foster has compared Nick Woltemade to a World Cup-winning icon after his impressive start to his Newcastle United career.
Woltemade joined Newcastle in the summer transfer window for £65million and was immediately put under pressure to fill the void created by Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool.
The 23-year-old proved he’s capable of doing that by scoring on his debut against Wolves, with his header being the only goal of the game as Newcastle got their first three points of this Premier League campaign.
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It’s a glimpse of what Woltemade is capable of, and there’s already a level of expectation set for what he can achieve that has led to him being compared to a legendary figure of the game.
Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Nick Woltemade is compared to Thomas Muller
Woltemade gave Newcastle fans plenty of reasons to be excited about his arrival at the club, taking just 29 minutes to open his account for the Magpies.
That led Foster to compare him to Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller during the latest episode of the Football Fill-In.
“They’re going to love him. [He’s like] Thomas Muller, German, naughty little muzzy at the back, he’s made for them, he’s made for the Premier League, he’s made for Newcastle.
“He’s going to be a threat, six foot six. It’s a fantastic header by the way, what a header. It’s not easy whatsoever; he’s under pressure, and he’s got to arch back a little bit and dispatches it as well.
“For a striker, to score on your debut, to score so soon into the game as well, it’s the dream start. He’s off and running already, brilliant.”
If Woltemade can come anywhere near what Muller achieved at Bayern Munich, where he scored 250 goals in 749 games, then Newcastle fans are sure to be pleased with the signing when all is said and done.
Nick Woltemade’s stats against Wolves
It wasn’t just Woltemade’s excellent header that caught people’s attention, either. His overall performance against Wolves was impressive.
The striker proved that he’s capable of causing problems in the Premier League and coping with the physicality that the division will provide.
Woltemade played for 65 minutes in his debut, being 93 per cent accurate with the nine passes that he attempted as the Germany international aimed to link the play at times.
Match Stats Woltemade
Total Shots 3
Chances Created 1
Touches 20
Aerial Duels Won 3/4 (75%)
Nick Woltemade’s stats vs. Wolves – via FotMob
Micah Richards has already backed Woltemade to be a success story for the club, and the early signs are certainly positive.