Nick Woltemade did not score for Newcastle United against Benfica but was heavily involved as ever.
Woltemade has made a brilliant start to life at Newcastle United, bagging five goals in nine games for his new club.
While the German international was unable to add to his tally on Tuesday as Newcastle United beat Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League, he produced another fine display.
Indeed, the forward was involved in the third goal on the night. Anthony Gordon played a quick ball around the corner for him, and he duly freed the England international with a fine flick.
Gordon then passed to Harvey Barnes, who wrapped up the contest with his second goal of the game.
After the game, Eddie Howe talked about that moment from Woltemade.
Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Benfica alongside Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Lewis Miley.
Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Eddie Howe says Nick Woltemade’s flicks cannot be coached
The Newcastle United manager was full of praise for his £69million forward when speaking at his post-match press conference.
Asked about Woltemade’s sublime return pass for Gordon, Howe admitted that nobody could coach a player into doing that.
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In his view, it’s purely an instinctive action from a player now dripping with confidence and quality.
“We keep saying the same thing about Nick, he’s a unique player,” he said.
“Those types of flicks and touches, that’s not coached. That’s instinctive.
“We saw that before we signed him, we knew that he was very good around the box.
“He was very creative for other players and it was great to see us score off the back of one of them.”
Nick Woltemade comes good on what he told Newcastle United fans months ago
After Woltemade signed for Newcastle for a club-record fee, the player opened up on his style of play.
Though the 23-year-old rose to prominence after finishing as top scorer in the U21 European Championships earlier this year, supporters outside of German football may not have been fully aware of his talents.
Speaking to the club’s in-house media team in August, Woltemade said: “I’m not the typical 6ft 6 guy. I like to dribble, I like to have the ball at my feet. I like to be creative, I know my qualities.”
He certainly isn’t your typical battering ram of a striker usually associated with a player of his size and stature. Newcastle have unearthed a genuine gem and it’s going to be fascinating to see where he takes them.