Newcastle United x Liverpool - stars showcase unique connection despite club bad blood
Germany have shared a Nick Woltemade and Florian Wirtz video online - it shows the Newcastle United and Liverpool player’s connection.
Their clubs may well have been at war for periods of the year, but these Newcastle United and Liverpool stars have shown the world their unique connection on social media.
In a video shared to the German national team socials, Nick Woltemade and Florian Wirtz have been shown training together ahead of their Friday night clash with Luxembourg, in which both are likely to start in attack.
The video - which can be viewed at the top of this article - shows the duo ball juggling on the training pitches - and it’s fair to say their flare shines through.
Woltemade and Wirtz have enjoyed a mixed reception in the Premier League so far, following their moves from Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
While the former got off to a flyer on Tyneside and has since plateaued as Newcastle have struggled, Wirtz has been unfairly labelled a flop at Liverpool, and now finds himself battling for a spot in Arne Slot’s starting XI.
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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