Eddie Howe (left) and Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemadeplaceholder image
Eddie Howe (left) and Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade | Getty Images
Nick Woltemade enjoyed a stellar start at Newcastle United but has struggled in recent months.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has vowed that Nick Woltemade will “not play 80 metres from goal” in his team.
Eddie Howe has tussled with where to play the 6ft 7in forward for Newcastle United. The Toon boss claimed Woltemade - who scored four goals in his first five Premier League games - was a No.9 earlier this season.
However, since being rotated for Yoane Wissa in December, Woltemade’s form has nosedived. Neither striker has been Newcastle’s preferred option, with Anthony Gordon leading the line in recent weeks.
When used, Woltemade has featured as a midfielder - a situation that is polarising supporters on Tyneside. But just one goal in his last 21 games across all competitions has hardly created a huge clamour to see him return up front.
Julian Nagelsmann fires Nick Woltemade swipe
Speaking to German media, Woltemade’s national team manager, Nagelsmann, fired a subtle dig at how Newcastle have handled his development. He said: “He has often played very deep. When he has to defend as a No.6, there's a long distance to goal.
“He's not a counter-attacking striker who runs 36kmh. I can promise that he won’t be 80 metres away from goal with us. In such matches, he will not play for us.”
‘Not an easy time’ - Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann also recognised that Woltemade is struggling at St James’ Park. He added: “He is a very pleasant person with a strong presence. He is definitely not going through an easy time, but that’s normal.
“He has done well with us. He can start from the beginning, but also come on as a substitute, because he has an unorthodox style of play.”
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Eddie Howe on World Cup hopes
Howe told reporters last month that playing Woltemade in midfield will not scupper his World Cup hopes. He said: “The role isn’t dissimilar to how Germany have used him anyway. They’ve played him as a No.9, they’ve asked him to come into lower positions.
“So I don’t think it’s a big change and I’m sure their manager will look at it and go, if he’s doing well for Newcastle and he’s playing minutes, then that’s only going to help his cause.
“They know what he can do, obviously coming through the youth system there. They’ll have no doubts about his strengths and what he can offer the national team. I just hope that he continues to flourish in whatever position we play him.”
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