- Sebastian Bassong helps Eddie Howe’s striker conundrum
- Ex Premier League man picks Newcastle United striker he’d most like to face
- Bassong drops Malick Thiaw verdict
Ex Newcastle United defender Sebastian Bassong has helped Eddie Howe answer the question that has been plaguing the Magpies manager all season.
When the Tyneside outfit sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, it was vital to invest that British record £125 million in a new source of goals, with second-choice bagsman Callum Wilson also allowed to leave as a free agent.
Almost the entirety of that fee was spent on buying Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55 million and on big German Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69 million.
Sebastian Bassong backs Wissa and Osula over Woltemade
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Wissa, who has scored 19 Premier League goals for the Bees last season, has had tough luck with injuries. The striker has netted just one league goal for the club in 17 outings so far this term.
Meanwhile, Woltemade enjoyed a hot streak to start his time at the club but has since lost his goalscoring boots, often forced to play out of position in midfield.
In recent weeks, the goals have come from former Sheffield United man William Osula, who cost the Magpies just £15 million in the summer of 2024.
Bassong, who played as a defender in the top flight for both Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves and Norwich City, said while speaking with Read Newcastle via freebets.com, the home of the best betting sites:
“They are all different types of striker. Woltemade is very good in the air but can also play well using his feet, so on his day can be a handful for any defender and also you don’t know what he is going to do, so this makes it very difficult.
“Wissa is super quick and although hasn’t set the season alight, last year at Brentford he was very good with many goal contributions. Osula is super quick with his feet, so it would be very important not to get too tight to him as he is super skilful. So maybe Woltemade I would rather face.”
Bassong suggests that of the three options, he’d be the least scared by the prospect of facing Woltemade. That may ruffle fans’ feathers, with the German the most popular of the three.
Malick Thiaw has ‘bright future’ for Newcastle United
Meanwhile, the defender also turned his attention to another piece of Newcastle transfer business last summer in the £35 million purchase of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.
The defender has been, without doubt, the biggest transfer triumph from 12 months ago, looking at ease at the heart of defence. Bassong certainly agrees.
He said: “He [Thiaw] looks an assured defender and a smart piece of business. Newcastle have been looking to strengthen their defence and he has done really well.
“He has a bright future for the club as Newcastle look to finish the season well and secure a European spot for next season. With injuries in the defensive line, Thiaw has been a big positive and this will help Newcastle next season when I believe they can improve.”
In other news, EXCLUSIVE: Sebastian Bassong gives Yoane Wissa verdict that will surprise Newcastle fans.
