Nick Woltemade’s goals have dried up following an electric start to his Newcastle United career.
Eddie Howe believes Nick Woltemade is still adjusting to Premier League life at Newcastle United.
An electric start on Tyneside saw the German score four times in his first five top-flight fixtures. However, the goal trail has dried up, with Woltemade netting just once in his last 18 games across all competitions.
Talk has emerged about Bayern Munich potentially revisiting a move for the 24-year-old this summer. NewcastleWorld understands this not to be the case - with the Magpies viewing Woltemade as a long-term asset.
Eddie Howe responds to Nick Woltemade question
Earlier today, Howe was asked to discuss Woltemade’s future training plans and whether he will be coached as a forward or a midfielder. Newcastle have not enjoyed as much time on the training pitch this season due to Champions League commitments.
“The focus longer term would be on his development and transitioning into the Premier League because I still feel there's a physical adaptation that's taking place,” Howe said. “So if we had free training weeks, we'd be really pushing him physically and in the intensity of his actions. The Premier League is the quickest league in the world statistically by some distance.
“So I think everything in your training has to mirror that. So I still feel there's a lot of growth in him that we haven't been able to unlock. In terms of his sort of playing style, I don't think we'd be changing that at all.”
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‘We love his style’ - Eddie Howe
“We love his style,” Howe added. “I mean, if you look at what the move he did for Jacob Murphy's chance on Tuesday (against Qarabag) was outstanding. I think only Nick could deliver that. He's put through Murph one-on-one and that sort of typifies his best work comes from in between the lines, in between the opponent's midfield and back four.
“So whether he's playing as a No.9, that would be the same. Whether he's playing as a No.10 or No.8, that (his need for Premier League adaptation) would be the same. It would be a continuation of that work.”
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