Kieran Trippier goes public on Nick Woltemade criticism in final Newcastle United message
Kieran Trippier believes Nick Woltemade will prove to be a top player for Newcastle United.
Kieran Trippier has rubbished the noise surrounding Nick Woltemade and backed the £69million man to become a Newcastle United success.
The German - who cost a club-record £69million last summer - ended a 17-game run without scoring in the Premier League to break the deadlock against West Ham United. St James’ Park seranaded Woltemade as he celebrated, recognising his trials and tribulations in recent months.
Woltemade enjoyed an electric start at Newcastle - scoring four goals in his first five top-flight games. However, a downturn in form since the turn of the year saw the 24-year-old deployed as a makeshift midfielder.
Toon fans have been divided on the marquee arrival, with many pointing the finger at Eddie Howe for playing him in midfield. But as St James’ Park drew its curtain on the 2025-26 campaign, Woltemade reminded everyone of his goalscoring exploits to help Newcastle ease to a 3-1 win.
Kieran Trippier backs Nick Woltemade
Speaking to reporters post-match, Trippier - who bid an emotional farewell after four-and-a-half years - insisted Woltemade will come good in black-and-white stripes. He said: “There's been a lot of stuff being said about Nick. One thing about Nick is that he's played in the No.8 role, he's played in the No.10 role. He's sacrificed himself for the team. So I give him huge credit. I couldn't be happier that he scored today.
“A lot of people don't realise how hard he works, to be honest. He's such an unbelievable, talented player. He's been playing as an 8 a lot, as a 10. People have been saying things about that, but what he does behind the scenes and how much he's sacrificed himself for other players to play in front. You've got to give him credit.
“I'm delighted that he scored. (He is a) great character. To come into a club and work as hard as he has done behind the scenes… you guys don't see it. It's difficult. All you can see is him on the pitch as an 8, as a 10, or whatever it may be.
“He's willing to do the ugly stuff. He's willing to do the ugly stuff for the team. I'm just delighted to see him score today. When he's in those areas, he'll score goals. For sure, next season, when he has a full pre-season, and all that stuff, he'll bagn goals in front of his football team.”
‘I’m delighted for Will Osla’ - Kieran Trippier
Will Osula also bagged a brace to take his tally to five goals in six Premier League games. Trippier predicted a “bright future” as the Dane continues to realise his raw potential.
“I'm delighted for Will, the young boy,” he added. “A bright future ahead of him. I'm sure he'll keep his feet on the ground. Obviously, I wouldn't be here next season, but Burny (Dan Burn) and all them will make sure that he keeps his feet on the ground.
(He has shown) great character. Great, great, great striker. He's got a bright future ahead, but he just needs to keep his feet on the ground, which I know he will.”