Newcastle United have seen a potential problem with Nick Woltemade emerge in recent weeks, but they already have a possible solution with Jacob Ramsey.
Eddie Howe got his Newcastle United side back to winning ways on Wednesday night with a crucial 2-0 victory over Club Athletic in the Champions League.
Goals from Dan Burn and Joelinton have given Newcastle a commanding position in the table at the halfway point, but the performance was very underwhelming.
Newcastle were sloppy on the ball and lacked cutting edge in attack, with Nick Woltemade having his quietest game yet since signing for the club.
Jacob Murphy (L), Nick Woltemade (C) and Jacob Ramsey (R) (
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade issue was obvious against Athletic Club
Woltemade has been sublime since his £69m move to Newcastle, with six goals already to his name, five more than Alexander Isak has managed at Liverpool.
The giant German hasn’t only been scoring, though, but his brilliant touch and technical ability have made him an instant fan favourite as well.
Yet, it’s that desire to get on the ball in the build-up that is blunting Newcastle’s play recently.
It’s Woltemade, there was obviously a breathtaking piece of skill against Athletic, and it was he who got Newcastle’s move up the field that led to the opening goal started well into his own half.
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But Woltemade was coming so deep, often beyond even the full-backs, that Newcastle lacked penetration in the final third when the ball moved upfield.
It’s understandable why he feels the need to come so far back to get moves started, as Newcastle’s industrious midfield isn’t the most creative and the build-up play can be stodgy if it’s not direct, but it’s leaving Newcastle without a focal point in attack.
That’s where Jacob Ramsey comes in.
Jacob Ramsey holds the key to solving Nick Woltemade problem
Though he’s actually played, unlike Yoane Wissa, Ramsey’s start to life at Newcastle has also been a slow one.
The midfielder missed a month with an injury after just two substitute appearances and is yet to start in the Premier League.
But he was signed precisely because he is a different profile to the midfielders Newcastle already have. Ramsey can bring guile and creativity to the side from midfield, something Joelinton typically struggles to do.
Should Ramsey come in and start finding form, Woltemade would have less need to come so far down the field and can put his magic feet to use in the final third, where it will give defenders a much tougher time.
Brentford on Sunday is looking like a must-win as Newcastle need to start climbing the table and Ramsey should come into the side.