Brighton have a plan to stop Newcastle United and the in-form Nick Woltemade.
The giant German has played brilliantly since joining Newcastle United for £69million, doing his best to silence the critics who questioned his transfer fee.
Nick Woltemade has looked comfortable in a Toon shirt, netting four goals for his new club. His most recent came from the spot, with Woltemade scoring a glorious penalty against Nottingham Forest.
Two of his goals have been headers, with Woltemade surprising Newcastle staff with his aerial prowess. The 6ft 6in striker has proven how much of a threat he can be in the air with the right delivery, and that is something Brighton are hoping not to fall victim to on Saturday.
Newcastle United players celebrate together after Nick Woltemade scores a penalty against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Brighton plan to double up on Nick Woltemade
That is according to Fabian Hurzeler, who has spoken to the media ahead of Brighton vs Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium.
The Brighton boss has been preparing his players for the threat of Woltemade, admitting it would be a mistake if his team do not double up on the Germany international.
“We couldn’t really replicate Woltemade in training, but for sure there are some patterns from Newcastle that we have to take care of and for sure, he’s a target player, so every time they play a long ball in their own half, he’s the target player,” he said.
“Every time they attack the box, he’s a danger in the opponent’s box. We need to defend our box well. We need to be really tight on him.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“We shouldn’t put him in a one-against-one against our defenders. We always have to double up on him.”
Fabian Hurzeler worried about four more ‘unbelievable’ Newcastle United players
A lot of eyes will be on Woltemade at the Amex Stadium, but he is not the only member of the Newcastle United squad who Hurzeler is worried about.
As well as Woltemade, Hurzeler has picked out four more Toon players who he believes have ‘unbelievable offensive quality’ ahead of Saturday’s game.
But it’s not only him, I think Newcastle has unbelievable offensive quality with Gordon, Elanga, Murphy and Barnes,” he said.
“So it’s just incredible quality they have. We have to defend well as a team, we have to stick together and to our principles.
“I always repeat it, we are also a strong team with good quality. We are able to beat every team in the league this season.”
As Hurzeler has alluded to, Newcastle have incredible pace in wide areas. Out of the four players he picked out, Anthony Gordon will be considered the biggest threat.
He will go into Saturday’s game full of confidence after scoring for England against Latvia. Gordon enjoyed a brilliant international break, and will be keen to carry on that form in a Newcastle United shirt.
But while Newcastle have dangerous wingers, so do Brighton. Eddie Howe will be desperate to nullify former Toon player Yankuba Minteh, who scored twice against his previous employer last season.