- Newcastle’s Woltemade claims critics ‘bother’ him
- The German has a different role to play
- Goalscoring record doesn’t affect him
Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade has been criticised in recent months for his lack of goals or a goalscoring threat. The German has hit back at his critics, saying, ‘it bothers me’ as his role has changed under Eddie Howe.
Woltemade travelled with his national team this week, and he started as a striker in Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s 2-1 win over Ghana, where the Newcastle forward got a great assist. In an interview with BILd, the 24-year-old claimed he is not struggling on Tyneside.
Woltemade said, “If someone claims that I’m in a slump, I’d argue that this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games.” He is set to return this weekend as they take on Crystal Palace.
Woltemade’s Role has Altered
When the German made the switch to Tyneside from Stuttgart in the summer, he was on fire, including a goal on his Premier League debut in a 1-0 win over Wolves.
However, as the season has gone on, his role has changed. From a striker combining with two wingers to playing in the midfield, he’s been shifting his playstyle a lot.
Woltemade was branded one of the worst signings in Premier League history a few weeks ago, but he feels he is being unfairly judged for something that isn’t his role under Howe.
“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder. I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season.”
He continued
“Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space.”
Woltemade had built a bond with Sandro Tonali and Joelinton as he had featured next to them, and he has received plenty of game time with injuries to Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes.
The 24-year-old’s last league goal came on December 20th, and it doesn’t seem like he will be in the area to get another anytime soon. However, he isn’t fazed by it and hopes this will make him stronger.
“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.”
German’s Future at Newcastle
When he was signed in the summer, the original plan was for him to replace the outgoing Alexander Isak. He stepped up to the mark for a few months, but this change has not only affected him but also the club.
The Magpies’ form can largely be put down to the lack of a recognised striker, with the German or Yoane Wissa, who has been linked with a move away.
Miley and Guimaraes will both be ready for the side’s trip to Selhurst Park, so questions grow about whether Woltemade will stay in the team or move back to striker.
It seems he will be staying at the club for now, although they have been linked with strikers in the past few weeks.
With midfielders possibly leaving, space could open for him in the Black and Whites squad, but whatever happens, it’s sure going to be a few testing months for the 24-year-old.
