Alan Shearer responds to Nick Woltemade’s ‘unfair’ Newcastle United comments
Nick Woltemade is currently on international duty as Germany aim to win a fifth World Cup.
Alan Shearer has doubled down on his belief that Nick Woltemade is not an out-and-out striker.
Responding to the German’s comments about unfair criticism, Shearer did sympathise with the Newcastle United striker. Woltemade has hit out at those giving him flak for a mixed debut campaign on Tyneside.
Toon chiefs stumped up a club-record £69million to sign the former Stuttgart man last summer. He enjoyed a flying start - scoring four Premier League goals in five games - before suffering a slump.
Eddie Howe used Woltemade as a makeshift midfielder - a move that divided supporters. A notable improvement in the final few games of the season gave Newcastle fans optimism ahead of next year.
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Nick Woltemade hits out
Currently on World Cup duty, Woltemade slammed those questioning his goal return - citing his switch into the engine room. He said: “I’m an ambitious person and always want to reach my full potential. That’s easiest to do in attack. But at Newcastle, I filled in at other positions, even as a defensive midfielder. Despite that, some pundits still considered me a striker.
“They'd ask, ‘Why does Nick score so few goals? Why isn't he providing more assists?’ Those were the wrong questions, and I didn’t think they were entirely fair. A goal or an assist is expected of me in every game.
“But if I’m not playing in attack, it’s significantly more difficult for me to get into dangerous scoring positions. The intensity of the criticism and the resulting unrest surrounding me have certainly surprised me.”
Alan Shearer responds
Speaking to Betfair, Newcastle legend Shearer responded to Woltemade defending himself amid mounting criticism. However, he also claimed that the German is not a natural centre-forward.
“I get it and understand Woltemade’s feelings,” Shearer said. “I just don't see him as a main centre-forward, which is not his fault. I think it has been a tough season. He had a brilliant start, but it has been a tough season for him. But I understand his comments about unfair criticism.”
‘No regrets’ - Nick Woltemade
Despite his indifferent debut campaign, Woltemade is adamant he has no regrets about joining the Magpies. When asked about harbouring any Newcastle doubts, he added: “No (regrets). I moved to the Premier League, the best league in the world, when I was 23. I’ve learned a lot this season.
“I’ve improved athletically. I can keep up with the tremendous pace, and I can hold my own in challenges. Overall, it’s been a step forward. That’s why I have no doubts about Newcastle. I’ll make my mark there.”