Newcastle United are not getting the best out of Nick Woltemade, despite his goals.
Indeed, for the second game in a row, Woltemade drew a blank for Newcastle United. That is not a criticism of the German, more a reflection on the attacking issues Eddie Howe’s side are currently dealing with.
While Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the Champions League, to suggest they were brilliant would be unwise.
They deserve credit for picking up a crucial three points at home but, in truth, it’s not likely to be a game that lives long in the memory.
Woltemade should have scored with a header with the score at 1-0 and while he did show some nice touches, he struggled to get into the game. Newcastle expert Craig Hope believes he knows why.
Nick Woltemade in action for Newcastle United against Athletic Club in the Champions League.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Craig Hope says Newcastle United aren’t playing to Newcastle United’s strengths
While Newcastle United’s club-record signing has already scored six goals for the Magpies, there’s so much more to his game.
Hope, who was watching from up in the stands rather than in the press box at St James’ Park, just does not believe the way in which Newcastle are playing gets the best out of the most expensive signing in history.
Woltemade, at his best, drops deep to link play. On paper, the Newcastle United squad certainly boasts players who could feasibly run off him.
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Still, the fact that Newcastle have played too deeply in recent games denies him the space in which to operate, as Hope points out.
“Now, Nick Woltemade, I spoke a lot about the German striker in my preview video and the problems I think he’s creating which aren’t a criticism,” said Hope.
“I’ve got to say this because in isolation of what he’s done so far, he’s come in and he’s been fantastic to score the goals that he’s done, and he’s come into a team with players around him who perhaps aren’t at their best.
“I don’t think he has been necessarily helped by others at times, but what I saw at West Ham, what I’ve seen in the majority of away games this season, I saw again last night.
“And that was helped by being as high as I was in the stadium because from Newcastle being given that lead by Dan Burn, they just didn’t play in Bilbao’s third of the pitch. It was quite evident to see from that elevated view that because Woltemade almost plays, you know, exclusively predominantly in and around the halfway line, that then allowed Bilbao to step up and press onto Woltemade.
In turn, the midfield is denied space. They didn’t show enough control or bite really in the first half. Then by extension Newcastle’s defence is pushed back and they aren’t playing high enough up the pitch.
“That doesn’t allow them to play with that intensity and that press in the face of the opposition as they have done, as has been their identity in recent seasons and it’s a real issue because Woltemade, you see all of that space. There was loads of space in behind Bilbao and in their half during the opening period and Newcastle just weren’t populating it.
“Nick Woltemade wasn’t running into there, he was getting the ball and he was losing it at times on the halfway line like he was at West Ham on Sunday. That then, in turn, puts the team under pressure and things break down.”
Nick Woltemade has another major problem at Newcastle United right now
Doubts over Newcastle’s playing style aside, Woltemade has looked tired in recent weeks, which is understandable. With Yoane Wissa injured, he’s been asked to play every single game.
Will Osula will no longer be on the bench this evening due to discomfort in his ankle. He will be assessed further in the coming days.
Hope to see you back soon, Will. pic.twitter.com/bdZhvQUkHB
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 5, 2025
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Sadly, Howe’s options depleted even further on Wednesday. William Osula has suffered an ankle injury, placing his participation in Sunday’s Premier League game against Brentford in major doubt.
It means Woltemade will likely have to go back to the well again on Sunday before he jets off on international duty with Germany later this month.