Nick Woltemade concern ahead of anticipated Newcastle United debut
Nick Woltemade arrives at Newcastle United with pressure on his shoulders following a club-record £69million move.
Les Ferdinand is unsure whether Nick Woltemade will hit the ground running at Newcastle United.
Big pressure sits on the German’s shoulders following his club-record arrival. Toon chiefs stumped up £69million to sign Woltemade from Stuttgart a fortnight ago.
Alexander Isak’s sale to Liverpool leaves a big hole to fill but Woltemade will have Yoane Wissa to share the load. Newcastle signed the 29-year-old - a seasoned Premier League operator - on deadline day.
Les Ferdinand questions Nick Woltemade
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Toon favourite Ferdinand suggested the Premier League transition will be “tough” for Woltemade. However, he believes the 23-year-old can make an impact if given time to shine.
“He’s untried in the Premier League,” Ferdinand said. “It’s going to be a tough test for him. It was important that they brought Wissa in as that will take a bit of the pressure off of Woltemade. It remains to be seen. Players sometimes come into the Premier League and it takes a while for them to get used to it.
“He’s not what I would call a traditional type of centre-forward who plays through the middle. He likes to come off the wing a little bit. I suppose the modern centre-forward nowadays wants to come off the left and use their right foot and score goals coming in from the side.
“That is what he has more traditionally done where he has been. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the Premier League. Tough ask to fill Isak’s boots, but given time hopefully he can settle and do the job Newcastle fans would like him to do.”
‘A big step’ - Nick Woltemade
In his first interview as a Newcastle player, Woltemade expressed his excitement to begin “scoring goals” at St James' Park. He told the club website: “I’m really happy to be at this amazing club. From the first contact, I felt like the club really wanted me and had big plans for me.
“It’s a big step in my life to leave Germany but everybody has welcomed me so well and it already feels like family. I have a really good feeling from speaking to the head coach that this is the right place for me to find my best level.
“I know the stadium from watching games on television - it looks amazing and I know the atmosphere is crazy. I’m really excited to play and start scoring goals here.”
Eddie Howe on Nick Woltemade
"We're delighted to get Nick's signing over the line so quickly,” Eddie Howe added. “He fits the profile for exactly what we have been looking to add to our attacking options.
"He's strong in a lot of areas - he has great technical ability and has proven himself to be a real threat in one of Europe's top leagues - but he's also still at an age where he has plenty of room to develop and grow here. Nick is a great character too and we're really pleased to welcome him to the group."