Nick Woltemade has defended Eddie Howe for playing him as a midfielder at Newcastle United.
Nick Woltemade believes it is unfair to suggest he does not suit Eddie Howe’s system at Newcastle United.
Signed in August for a club-record fee, the German was tasked with filling the goalscoring void left by Alexander Isak. Initially, Woltemade did exactly that - bagging four goals in his first five Premier League games.
But once Yoane Wissa - Newcastle’s other attacking buy - returned to fitness, Woltemade was rotated. His form soon nosedived, with Eddie Howe shifting the 6ft 7in forward into midfield.
As a result, Woltemade has not bagged a Premier League goal since December - a run stretching 13 games. A debate has developed at St James’ Park about whether the Germany international is suited to Howe’s style.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Nick Woltemade defends Eddie Howe
“I don’t think you can say that,” Woltemade told German media (via Bild) when directly asked if he fits Howe’s game plan. “In the first few months, it worked well with me in attack. Several things have come together. Firstly, Bruno Guimaraes is out, our playmaker, and then a few other midfielders.
“We are not an individual athlete, but a team. It is normal that you have to help out as a player at other positions. I played a position further back, and I think I did quite well there. In any case, the coach was satisfied with me. At the same time he may have wished for a little more depth in the attack centre. Of course, a player like Anthony Gordon can give us that.”
‘It bothers me’ - Nick Woltemade fires back
Quotes previously emerged of Woltemade hitting out at those focusing on his goalscoring return. The Toon ace admitted he prefers to play up front but has been able to “expand his repertoire” under Howe.
“It bothers me,” Woltemade said when asked about the criticism. “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 metres from the opponent’s goal. 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. 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.”
Continue Reading