Nick Woltemade Shines on Debut for Newcastle United
Twenty-nine minutes. That's all Nick Woltemade needed.
Not only did he score his first goal for Newcastle United, but he also received a personal chant from the fans after his debut against Wolves.
Woltemade was met with a standing ovation when he was substituted midway through the second half of his team's 1-0 victory.
His timely contribution came at a crucial moment, as it was revealed post-match that fellow striker Yoane Wissa is expected to be sidelined until after the next international break in October.
It is remarkable to note that Woltemade had only participated in a handful of training sessions with his new teammates before making his first appearance.
After the match, he was encouraged by Joelinton to take a bow in front of the Gallowgate End, showcasing the support from the crowd.
"I have only been here for four days, so everything was new for me," he told BBC Final Score. "I was focused on myself today. The coach gave me a great feeling, and I felt good on the pitch. I knew what to do, and I believe everyone was on the same page."
A Number Nine's Goal
Newcastle desperately needed someone to find the back of the net.
During the opening three matches of the season, Howe's side managed 34 shots but only netted twice, having failed to score against Aston Villa and Leeds United.
The Alexander Isak saga had cast a shadow over the club, as the Swedish striker went on strike before finalizing his £125 million transfer to Liverpool.
Saturday marked the first match of this new chapter following Isak's departure, and it was somewhat ironic that parallels could be drawn between Woltemade's debut and Isak's first game for the club in 2022.
Just as Isak was thrust into action when Callum Wilson was injured, Woltemade was also given a starting role following Wissa's knee injury.
Isak made an immediate impact by scoring against Liverpool, and Woltemade followed suit, finding the net in less than half an hour.
Although he wears number 27 on his shirt, a tribute to his mother's birthday, Woltemade scored with a classic number nine's goal. Jacob Murphy delivered a cross into the box, and Woltemade skillfully maneuvered away from Wolves defender Emmanuel Agbadou to head the ball past Sam Johnstone.
With that goal, a new chant was born: "Woltemade, Woltemade, ole, ole, ole," echoed through the lively St James' Park.
Woltemade Makes a Decisive Contribution
While powerful headers weren't the hallmark of Woltemade's previous performances, he demonstrated that he is not just a typical target man despite his 6ft 6in stature. He scored only one header for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga last season.
“He’s an unusual player,” said manager Eddie Howe. “He’s very distinctive. The more you watch him, the more you realize how different he is from the stereotypical size he brings. He’s very creative, as we saw today with his touches and passes that can break down a stubborn defense.”
Woltemade completed 89% of his passes during the match, and one clever touch nearly set up a goal for Harvey Barnes, who was ultimately ruled offside.
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given, a former Newcastle player, remarked that he was intrigued by Woltemade's positioning. “There was a lot of talk before the game that he’s more of a number 10 than a nine,” he noted. “But I’m sure Eddie Howe and his staff will emphasize that with his size, he needs to be a presence in the box.”
Interestingly, Woltemade had the fewest touches of any Newcastle starter (20), but he made his presence felt where it mattered most, with five touches inside the Wolves' penalty area, one of which secured the victory for Newcastle.
"A Lot to Improve"
Woltemade certainly found himself in the right place at the right time.
Although he enjoys linking play, Howe was keen to ensure that Woltemade remains in goal-scoring positions. The Newcastle head coach recognized that there is still “work to do with him.”
While Woltemade won three of his four aerial duels, Howe acknowledged that he has “a lot to improve to adapt to this level.”
Nevertheless, Woltemade is eager to develop. Unlike other players who chose different paths, he was determined to join Newcastle from Stuttgart.
Despite quickly heading off for international duty, he expressed his desire to contribute to the team and showcase his abilities.
Off the pitch, Woltemade has also adapted well to life in Newcastle. Though he was spotted wearing a baseball cap, his towering presence has made him recognizable to fans, who have seen him in local supermarkets and strolling along the Quayside.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the passionate support of the club's fans, Woltemade embraced it wholeheartedly. “It felt amazing,” he said. “All the fans were happy, and I was happy. Winning the game is what matters most, and I’m very pleased about it.”