The German international has endured an indifferent second half of the season in comparison to his flying start, but it's all very complex
Newcastle United player celebrates with Anthony Gordon
Nick Woltemade has scored one goal for Newcastle in 2026(Image: PA)
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Nick Woltemade has challenged critics who have stuck the boot in on his performance in the second half of his first season at Newcastle United.
The German star made a flying start to his Toon career and was troubling the top half of the goalscoring chart after seven early strikes for the Magpies. It was in December, when Yoane Wissa returned from a knee injury, that Woltemade lost his place in the frontline under Eddie Howe.
Used as a midfielder or second striker in more recent times, Woltemade has claimed he is irked after critics continue to judge him on scoring goals.
Speaking to German publication Bild, Woltemade said: "It bothers me. If someone claims that I’m in a slump, I’d argue that this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games.
“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 meters from the opponent’s goal,” he explained.
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“I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season. Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space.”
For the record, Woltemade's last goal came in the 3-1 away to Aston Villa on an FA Cup glory night in the second city. But he countered: "Of course, I score far fewer goals now. But I’m completely relaxed; I don’t mind expanding my repertoire.
"And I’m convinced that, in the long run, it will make me stronger if I learn to navigate phases like this."
When asked about Woltemade's happiness on Tyneside, Howe recently said: "He seems really happy. What you see is what you get with Nick.
"He’s always laughing, he’s been really good in the dressing-room and built up a close friendship with Malick [Thiaw], which is great to see.
"He’s well-liked by the group, and that’s a really big thing for any player. The guys really like his personality and the fact that he’s very much a team player."
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