Former Newcastle midfielder Didi Hamann believes the Magpies’ style of play has “helped” Nick Woltemade settle in quickly at his new club.
Asked by Footballblog.co.uk whether he is surprised that the striker has managed to adapt quicker to the Premier League than Florian Wirtz at Liverpool, Hamann replied:
“You never know when you go to a different country how it’s going to go. It’s a different environment, a different league. It’s more physical. From my own experience, I know that you need a few weeks to adapt, because you know free-kicks are not given as easily as they are in Germany.
Some adapt quicker, some not so quickly. Am I surprised? Yes and no, because obviously I know he was a very talented player, but he’d only really had one season where he played regularly at Stuttgart, and he wasn’t even named in the Champions League squad. So he didn’t play any Champions League football last season.
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“He’s a very talented player and very awkward to play against with his height. He flicks the ball on well. He’s not bad in the air. He’s got a brilliant first touch, and I think what also is in his favour and helped him settle is that Newcastle are a pretty physical side. If you look at the midfield with Joelinton, Guimaraes, and Tonali, they’ve got some very good players. Obviously, with Gordon, he’s got great service. So, did I expect him to settle in as quickly and score these goals? Probably not. But I’m not surprised overall, because I knew he’s a very good player, and I think the way Newcastle play suits him.”
Woltemade’s record since signing for Newcastle
After the Magpies broke their transfer record to sign the German international, he has gone on to score 6 goals in 12 appearances for his new club.
Woltemade has found the back of the net against Wolves, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Brighton in the Premier League, while he has also bagged goals in Europe (against Union Saint-Gilloise) and in the Carabao Cup (versus Tottenham).
The striker is faring better than another summer addition
Yoane Wissa was snapped up from Brentford for £55m but he has yet to kick a ball in anger after sustaining a knee injury whilst away on international duty back in September.
Manager Eddie Howe says the forward is building up his fitness but he has cast doubt on Wissa making his comeback in the near future. Woltemade’s position as first-choice striker will stay unchallenged for the time being.
Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here