Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park on September 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park on September 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Nick Woltemade and Florian Wirtz are two of German football’s brightest prospects and both moved to the Premier League over the summer.
Newcastle United favourite Nick Woltemade has defended Florian Wirtz for his poor start to life at Liverpool.
Two of German football’s brightest talents ditched the Premier League for the Bundesliga over the summer. Bayern Munich were thwarted twice, with Woltemade and Wirtz choosing Newcastle and Liverpool.
Toon star Woltemade has enjoyed a solid start on Tyneside, bagging six goals across all competitions. However, the Reds are yet to see a return on their £115million investment, with Wirtz yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League.
Nick Woltemade defends Florian Wirtz
Woltemade has modestly downplayed his own achievements while insisting there is more to Wirtz’s game than goal contributions. He told German media while on international duty: “For every player, adjusting is not easy. But Florian Wirtz is doing very well (at Liverpool).
“On paper, you might not see the goals (from Wirtz). I have probably been in the right spot three or four times, received the ball and scored. But Florian Wirtz is very active in the game, gets lots of touches and makes good plays.”
‘A crazy year’ - Nick Woltemade
The 23-year-old has also opened up about his meteoric rise over the past 12 months. In july 2024, Woltemade’s career was at a crossroads, having joined Stuttgart on a free transfer.
An impressive Bundesliga campaign earned him a £69million move and he now has the weight of Geordie expectation on his shoulders. Woltemade added: “It has been a very crazy year. I have experienced so much. Moments I never could have imagined before.
“It is sometimes hard to grasp. A year like this isn’t something you take for granted. I’m very grateful for it and want to keep working for such amazing moments.”
Eddie Howe sets Nick Woltemade challenge
Eddie Howe has challenged Woltemade to maintain consistency throughout the Premier League season. He told reporters: “We're really pleased with Nick - really happy with him. On and off the pitch, he's been first class. The way he's conducted himself, handled the move, the way he's embraced his team-mates.
"His team ethics are excellent. He's got an ability to score goals, to be in the right position.
"Technically, he's very good. We still have to bring out more in his game and help him in every way we can - the early signs are very positive.
"He's got variety in his game. I don't think he's one-dimensional. His height, but then you add in his technical ability - I think that can be a surprise for opponents. His challenge is consistency and long-term success. Teams will obviously work out plans for him, as we do for all our opponents, and he's got to continue to find a way to score goals."
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