Newcastle United have a truly unique striker in Nick Woltemade.
The 6ft 6in German is changing the way that Newcastle United play. While Nick Woltemade’s goal return has been excellent, he also wants to be involved in the build-up and bring his teammates into the game.
The 23-year-old’s footwork is incredible, with Woltemade being compared to Peter Crouch. That is certainly not a bad thing, as the former England international scored more than 100 Premier League goals in his career.
Given their size and style, it is an easy comparison to make. However, Owen Hargreaves has admitted that Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever actually reminds him of another ex-Premier League striker.
Nick Woltemade challenges Lewis Dunk during Brighton vs Newcastle United.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Nick Woltemade compared to Nwankwo Kanu
Speaking on the TNT Sports Football YouTube channel, the likes of Hargreaves, Joe Cole, Joe Hart and Ally McCoist reflected on Nick Woltemade’s start to life at St James’ Park.
Former Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves admitted he loves the Germany international’s style of play, likening him to Arsenal cult hero Nwankwo Kanu.
“He reminds me a bit of Kanu,” he said.
“You can play it into him at any point. He’s a big lad but he’s a ball player. He just wants to play and I love that.”
Cole then chimed in, admitting that his TNT Sports colleague Peter Crouch was not happy about a remark someone made about him in comparison to Woltemade.
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“We covered a game with Crouchy,” Cole added.
“Someone described him [Woltemade] as Crouchy with pace. The big man wasn’t happy!”
When you look at Woltemade, Kanu and Crouch, they are all giant strikers who defied belief with their elegance in possession.
They are unique in style, and it is a big reason why Newcastle United fans have taken so quickly to Woltemade. He has hit the ground running in black and white, while the exciting thing is that there is clearly so much more to come from a player who cost a whopping £69million.
What Ally McCoist loves about Nick Woltemade
Ally McCoist also gave his verdict on Newcastle United’s number 27, admitting that the striker is simply just so likeable and someone you want to see do well.
“He looks really likeable,” he said.
“Even when he had a run-in with big Gabriel in the Arsenal game. You can see he doesn’t look like he can be vicious or angry.
“You want him to do well. He has hit the ground running, and he is a lot easier on the eye than you would think. He’s been enjoyable so far.”
McCoist is getting his wish, as Woltemade certainly is doing well for the Magpies. He has scored five goals in all competitions so far, with his latest strike coming in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
Woltemade’s goal against Brighton was a thing of beauty, and it summed up exactly why he is so popular. The audacity to even try it was something, but to pull it off was another!
Everything he does, he does with style. He also does it with a smile on his face, and Eddie Howe will be keen for that to continue after a blistering start to his Newcastle United career.