Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade is starting to settle into life at Newcastle, following his move from VfB Stuttgart.
Woltemade joined the Magpies for a huge £65 million fee, and he was instantly expected to fill the void left behind by Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
But the 23-year-old successfully hit the ground running, scoring on his debut against Wolves at St James’ Park, delivering an impressive all-round performance.
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Woltemade has been compared to Germany legend Thomas Muller, and he believes Eddie Howe is the perfect coach to help him step his game up another level to potentially reach those heights.
Nick Woltemade celebrates after scoring in Newcastle's win against Wolves
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Nick Woltemade heaps praise on Eddie Howe after first message
Answering questions on the Sky Sports Premier League podcast, Woltemade revealed exactly what Howe had said to him straight after he sealed his move to Tyneside.
“Hey, ‘big man’, something like that,” said Woltemade. “I’m not exactly sure what he said, but he’s such a good guy. I already felt really welcome when we were talking.
“I think he said, ‘Hey, big man’ because on the video call before, I mentioned, ‘Don’t be scared, I’m really tall.’ But yeah, he’s used to tall guys, so it didn’t really matter to him.
“I guess that’s part of why I wanted to come to Newcastle as well. I’d heard a lot about him, and my talks with him have been really good. From the very first moment, I felt like, okay, he can take me to the next level.
“I know it’s going to be hard work, but if we work together, I think it could be a really good match.”
Towering, physical and with an eye for goal, he looks ready-made for the Premier League. It’s no wonder Alan Shearer tipped Woltemade to score 25 goals in his debut campaign in England.
Eddie Howe reacts during Newcastle's win against Wolves
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade is the answer to Eddie Howe’s problems
Newcastle’s season can be split into two segments: before they signed strikers and after Woltemade and Yoane Wissa arrived. Both will hope to make the same impact Alexander Isak did last campaign.
With Wissa currently out injured, Woltemade wasted no time in endearing himself to the St James’ Park crowd, steering a brilliant header into the back of the Wolves net to seal a precious 1-0 victory.
He provided everything Howe had been missing during the two goalless draws with Aston Villa and Leeds United and the 3-2 defeat at home against Liverpool.
Statistic Total
Goals 1
Total shots 3
Chances created 1
Expected goals (xG) 0.27
Touches 20
Ground duels won 5/7 (71%)
Aerial duels won 3/4 (75%)
Nick Woltemade’s impressive performance vs Wolves – Fotmob
Anthony Gordon was used as a makeshift No 9 for two matches after Isak went on strike to force through his move to Anfield, while the inexperienced Will Osula was the only other recognised striker.
Gordon worked tirelessly but was sent off for a rash challenge against Liverpool, leaving Howe desperately short of options. Luckily, the Woltemade and Wissa double act arrived in the nick of time.