Nick Woltemade is set to make his debut for Newcastle. Due to the tight personnel situation in attack, the former Stuttgart player could even start despite having had little time to settle in.
Nick Woltemade has not spent much time at his new club since his transfer to Newcastle due to the international break. But despite his limited time to settle in, the 23-year-old is set to start against Wolverhampton: he could benefit from the tight personnel situation in the center of the attack.
In addition to Anthony Gordon, who is suspended after picking up a red card and only played as a false nine against Liverpool anyway, Yoane Wissa—who was also signed as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who left for Liverpool—returned from international duty with a knee injury. “He won’t be able to play in this game,” said Eddie Howe. The coach was unable to give any information about the length of his absence.
The coach had much more positive news to report about Woltemade, however. “He has integrated straight into our training and doesn’t look out of place. He has proven his qualities, so I’m very happy with how he has settled in,” said the 47-year-old, who highlighted the new signing’s “great character.”
This means that Woltemade already seems to be a candidate for the starting lineup: “I have no reservations about using one of the new players. He is tall, but not necessarily a traditional target player. He is very good with the ball,” Howe explained when asked whether the German international could start.
Howe explains the different characteristics of his new strikers
Regardless of whether he starts or “only” comes off the bench, Woltemade initially has the edge in the race to succeed Isak. Due to the different player profiles, who will ultimately succeed the Swede in the center of the attack largely depends on Howe’s game plan. While Wissa is “a very, very good goalscorer and a real danger in the penalty area,” the “very creative” Woltemade stands out for his ability to “link up play and play passes.”
Perhaps the duo could therefore also play together on the pitch. “I’m excited about the possibilities of this team,” Howe added. However, due to the personnel situation, he doesn’t have many options for the home game against Wolves…
