Alan Shearer has given a fair verdict on Nick Woltemade’s time at Newcastle United.
Alan Shearer has wished Nick Woltemade well as he aims to reignite his career at Juventus.
But in an honest admission, the Toon icon believes signing the German was an “expensive mistake” in the transfer market. Woltemade enjoyed a stellar start to life at St James’ Park.
Four goals in five Premier League games temporarily banished the negativity following Alexander Isak’s exit. However, his form soon nosedived, with a failed experiment seeing Eddie Howe deploy Woltemade in midfield.
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Alan Shearer on Nick Woltemade
Toon chiefs loaned out the 24-year-old to Juve on deadline day - freeing up a squad space for £51million new man Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer has now given a balanced take on Woltemade’s mixed Newcastle career.
“Nick Woltemade had a wonderful start at Newcastle,” Shearer said. “I feel there's no doubt there's a player there. But I'm not sure there's a player in there suited to the intensity and the pace that the English top-flight plays at. I think his style will be more suited to abroad rather than to Premier League football.
“It was a very difficult situation for the board when they bought him. I wouldn't blame one individual. I'd blame the whole circumstances. They were backed into a corner, and they had to act and I guess they acted in desperation when signing Woltemade.
“As I said, he had a good start. I don't think his style of play is suited to the intensity and how quick and how aggressive the Premier League is. I don't think there's a bad bone in his body. I think he meant well. I think he had the right attitude. It is just his style, and I wish him nothing but success at Juventus and I hope he has a really good season and does well in Serie A.
“I have got no animosity or anything but to give him well wishes at Juventus. He was a nice lad. I just don't think his style was suited to Newcastle or in particular the Premier League, but there's no doubt it was an expensive mistake from Newcastle.”
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‘I’m happy’ - Nick Woltemade
Woltemade - who made his debut against AC Milan last night - opened up about his “pride” at signing for a European heavyweight. He also believes his Premier League experience can help him in Serie A.
“Of course, I'm really really happy to be here,” Woltemade told the club website. “It's a big club. I'm excited for this new adventure, (to live in) another new country and play at the biggest club in Italy. I’m proud of myself, my family, my agency and all the guys at Juventus who made it happen.
“Last year, I changed to England. I can take a lot with me like physical-wise and also smartness in the game. I'm really happy to be in Italy to play in another top league at a really big club. This is a really nice point for me - I'm just to start.”
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