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Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT | TalkSport
Newcastle United signed Nick Woltemade for a club-record £69million last summer.
Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes Newcastle United will “regret” signing Nick Woltemade.
Signed for a club-record £69million last summer, the German arrived to help plug the gap left by Alexander Isak. Yoane Wissa also signed but his knee injury gave Woltemade an extended run as the main striker.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a stellar start - scoring four in his first five Premier League games. However, no goal in 12 across all competitions since being rotated Wissa has dented Woltemade’s confidence.
‘Maybe regret’ - Gabby Agbonlahor
Speaking to talkSPORT, ex-Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor ripped into Woltemade for his passive performance against Manchester City. Eddie Howe hooked the 6ft 7in striker for Wissa at half-time.
"Some problems for Eddie Howe, some real big problems," Agbonlahor said. "Going forward I thought Woltemade might as well have been sat here with me and you. Doesn't offer anything for me, I think that's going to be one of the signings that maybe Newcastle regret.
"It isn't working out with him, doesn't really hold the ball up, too slow to get up the pitch and get in behind, not very good in the air as well. When (Yoane) Wissa came on at half-time they were a lot better."
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Eddie Howe on efforts to help Nick Woltemade
Last month, Eddie Howe opened up efforts that are being taken behind the scenes to get Woltemade firing. He told reporters: “He’s naturally a confident lad, but behind the scenes, you never quite know what a player is thinking and feeling, you can never put yourself in their brain. We talk to the players all the time, whether that’s individually, collectively to try to understand them, to try to help them in whatever moment they’re in.
“Nick is playing ok, there are no issues with his general performances. He’s impressed me in recent weeks. Yes, I’d like him to get more chances. I don’t think that’s out of hand to say I’d like more goal creation from the team for him and for him to help the team in that respect.
“But that’s something we’re always working on and feeding back to him, and even today we’re going to do some work with him in that respect. But I’m very, very happy with his attitude, how he’s settled in, how he’s conducted himself. He’s a real team player as well and I don’t think that should be forgotten.”
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